But there could be worse to follow

Vice Chancellor Martin Bean announces staff and union consultations on voluntary redundancies. “We tightened discretionary spending, froze recruitment and external consultant spend, paused enterprise and capital projects, and asked our senior leaders and staff to make voluntary contributions. However, there’s more to do.”

In a message to staff yesterday Mr Bean warned projected revenue is down $175m this year and $120m next. “Even with the savings we have made to date, we still need to find cumulative savings of more than $200 million as we head into 2021.”

If VRs go ahead after the consultation they will open mid-July with outcomes “shared confidentially with applicants.”

The vice chancellor adds that, VRS are being explored, “before we consider forced redundancies.”