Restructures used to be all but routine under previous management at Murdoch U but not since Andrew Deeks became VC in April – at least until now

“Murdoch University’s financial position has been reviewed. With the current deficit and debt levels, there is a need to reduce costs for the 2023 Budget,” Professor Deeks told staff last week.

The problem is, “recent reductions in domestic student intakes have placed the University in a situation of declining student load, which will not be fully compensated for by returning international students, and this presents an ongoing budget challenge.”

And so four units are set for restructure, covering learning and teaching, property and commercial services, research support and curriculum. While management isn’t commenting around 35 positions, filled and vacant, are said to be set to go.