2018-06-19
The Greens won’t support any Uni SA/University of Adelaide merger if it means cutting courses, cutting jobs, closing campuses or compromising on student outcomes, Greens higher education spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Universities are constantly being expected to do more with less by this Liberal Government. Cuts to funding, freezing student places, and making it harder for students to afford to study are key factors pressuring universities to undertake these talks,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Throughout this consultation period, The Greens urge these two South Australian institutions to work towards a solution that leads to more South Australians accessing university, not less. We will be watching the merger talks very carefully and I hope to meet with both universities to discuss these plans in more detail.
“There is a combined 6800 people employed at these two institutions who will be nervous about what merger talks mean for them. Students will be concerned what it means for the degrees they are currently enrolled in, and if a merger was to occur, how that would be affected.
“Staff and students must be supported and consulted throughout the process of these merger discussions – and genuine transparency is key.
“UniSA and the University of Adelaide are respected and valued by South Australians, and it would be greatly disappointing if the outcome of these talks led to South Australia being worse off.”