Layoffs at the University of Wollongong could have a significant flow-on effect for the city, councillors say. Photo: UOW.
Job cuts at the University of Wollongong could hit the region’s economy, community and culture.
That’s what Wollongong City councillors said when they decided to push back against the latest round of proposed layoffs.
Researcher and former academic Dr Thomas Griffiths told the council that the university was a globally recognised centre of innovation that puts local businesses at the cutting edge.
He said as a public institution, the university should be run for the benefit of the region – and that meant retaining staff.
“To be accredited as a university, you must do research, that is a requirement,” he said.
“That means having the best minds here to teach our children, and develop solutions for our industries, companies and small businesses.
“I’m calling on the council to talk to the university’s executive about the broader impacts of what is going on.”
Cr Jess Whittaker put a motion urging the council to write to university management and call on them to stop job cuts and engage with staff to look for other opportunities to make financial savings.
During the motion, Crs Richard Martin, Daniel Hayes and Lord Mayor Tania Brown removed themselves from the chambers due to potential conflicts of interest.
“Our uni sector is Australia’s second-largest export industry, and one of the most impacted industries since the pandemic,” Cr Whittaker said.
“The University of Wollongong is the second-biggest employer in our region after Bluescope.
“It’s a beautiful place to be, it adds to the vibrancy and culture of our city and something we are really proud of.”
Wollongong City Council and the University of Wollongong are partners in a variety of projects, including the ‘Gong shuttle and Invest Wollongong.
Cr Ryan Morris said regardless of whether the university took the council’s feedback on board, it was worth making a stand.
“Staff need to know we support them,” he said.
“When I was in the Middle East, I saw the UOW campus in Dubai and it made me incredibly proud; I got to relive that experience a few years ago in Hong Kong.
“I often take my sons walking there to look at bowerbirds and I hope to see them study there one day.”
Cr Ann Martin said a reduction in staff could have unintended consequences that made the university more vulnerable.
“By reducing staff and options for study and undermining the respect for research, we make ourselves vulnerable to others coming in and filling the gap,” she said.
“There’s a UOW campus in Liverpool – why wouldn’t Western Sydney invest in a campus in Wollongong?”
Cr Andrew Anthony was less enthusiastic in his support for the motion, however.
He said the council had no business advising the university on how to manage its finances.
“It’s like we’re sending management to the principal’s office,” he said.
“It’s terrible people will lose their jobs, but I don’t really understand the problems that have led to this financial situation.
“We’re writing to them without offering them sound advice on how to deal with it.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
