The states VCs already know what they think
The state government announces an independent review, “to consider how structural change could strengthen the local university sector and delivery for students.”
why? Premier Mark McGowan and Education Minister Tony Buti point to a declining share of Commonwealth research grants, “relatively” low enrolment growth and the state’s 5 per cent share of Australia’s international student revenue.
“To attract world-leading academic staff and to gain a technological edge, universities need to be at the forefront of research and innovation. These all contribute to better learning outcomes, technological advances and greater student attraction”
yeah, but really why?: the idea that all would be well, or at least better, if some/all of the four public universities merged comes up in the west every 20 years or so. Most recently, WA Chief Scientist Peter Klinken raised it with a state parliament committee a couple of years back and it got a big run in Perth’s paper, The West Australian (CMM September 20,21 and November 16 2021).
The idea is that a big uni would have the scale to really rate on research rankings, which would attract international students whose fees would fund more research, and so on.
but why now?: That SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has the same idea might have something to do it with – he campaigned on a merger at last year’s state election and Uni Adelaide and Uni South Australia got the message, (CMM December 9 2022). They are working on a merger prop, with a plan due mid-year and Commonwealth minister Jason Clare (who would undoubtedly have to stump up to help it happen) has made positive noises.
Will a big WA U rate ?: As so sadly often, CMM has no clue but smarter people than he do. Nicholas Fisk and Daniel Owens (UNSW) suggest a merger in SA could give Adelaide University (the name is already agreed) a research ranking lift but point out that UWA already ranks higher than Uni Adelaide and Curtin U is above Uni SA (CMM, HERE) This may encourage merger boosters in WA to consider what a merger of their top-two could do.
Which still leaves the question: whether a research ranking lift will deliver the growth expected. Before anybody starts selling research reputations to international students they will have to explain where Perth and Adelaide are.
The people to answer it: The WA Government has hired top talent to advise, Sandra Harding (“lead reviewer” and ex VC James Cook U), Peter Shergold (ex head of PM and C and recently retired chancellor of Western Sydney U), Ian Watt (also former secretary of PM and C) and John Williams, an executive dean at Uni Adelaide.
They are scheduled to report 2H ’23.
Reaction: Curtin U VC Harlene Hayne was quick to respond, with a statement that was short and to the point. She welcomed the review and the opportunity to, “detail Curtin’s successes across a range of activity.”
“Each WA university has its own unique value proposition and culture, and students benefit from the opportunity to choose the university that best fits their needs and interests,” she added.
Murdoch U VC Andrew Deeks made the same points, just in more words, stating, in part, that while the state government can review whatever it chooses, “WA students benefit from having diversity of choice, from which they can find a university that suits their character, circumstances, and ambition. This review is an opportunity to capture and consolidate the unique role each university plays and to enhance the productive cooperation that already exists between our universities.”
And Edith Cowan U’s Steve Chapman was of the same view, “the universities in Western Australia serve a diverse population, and it is our diversity that is one of our greatest strengths. We will ensure that this is acknowledged in the review.”
However UWA VC Amit Chakma sounded relaxed and comfortable, “the University of Western Australia welcomes the State Government’s focus on WA’s higher education sector, in the interests of maximising education opportunities and the integral knowledge, expertise and research-driven contribution that our universities make to the State’s current and future society and economy. The University looks forward to engaging proactively and constructively with the review panel.”