http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24646992-12332,00.html
The Australian
by Andrew Trounson November 13, 2008
VICTORIA University is facing strike action after the Industrial Relations Commission today approved the union's application to ballot members on a proposed industrial campaign over pay talks and job security.
Any strike will put pressure on VU vice-chancellor Elizabeth Harman whose plan to cut 270 jobs and close two of VU's smaller campuses in Melbourne's west has angered the union and concerned the Victorian Government.
"We are now on a fast-track to industrial action," NTEU Victorian president Jamie Doughney told The Australian.
The result of the ballot will be known by December 1, which Dr Doughney said is expected to be around the time VU starts issuing redundancy notices.
The strike move comes as the NTEU plans to rally in Melbourne on November 20 to protest what it sees as aggressive moves at some Victorian universities to cut staff and introduce new work arrangements. It is also aimed at highlighting to Canberra the funding needs of the sector.
"We want to send a signal to the federal Government about the desperate needs of the sector, and to the universities, that they have to start treating their staff with some respect," NTEU victorian secretary Matthew McGowan said.
for full article
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24646992-12332,00.html
14 November 2008
PUBLIC RALLY 20 Nov
PUBLIC RALLY organised by NTEU
Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 11am
Place: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne CBD
Australia’s universities need to urgently invest in staff
University staff need job security, not job cuts
organised by NTEU. For more information check these websites
http://www.nteu.org.au/
http://www.nteu.org.au//bd/vu
www.universitybargaining.com.au
Date: Thursday 20 November
Time: 11am
Place: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne CBD
Australia’s universities need to urgently invest in staff
University staff need job security, not job cuts
organised by NTEU. For more information check these websites
http://www.nteu.org.au/
http://www.nteu.org.au//bd/vu
www.universitybargaining.com.au
Friends of Victoria University
The first meeting of Friends of Victoria University
Date: Wednesday 19th November in
Time: 5.30 pm
Place: Room E102F (E Block) Footscray Park Campus,
Ballarat Road, Footscray
There is an entrance to Building E from Ballarat Road via ramps or a stairway.
E102F is on the bottom level of the building.
At the first meeting, it would be probably helpful to talk about the purpose of Friends of Victoria University and ways in which the group can help support the university, campuses, students and staff facing retrenchments.
Date: Wednesday 19th November in
Time: 5.30 pm
Place: Room E102F (E Block) Footscray Park Campus,
Ballarat Road, Footscray
There is an entrance to Building E from Ballarat Road via ramps or a stairway.
E102F is on the bottom level of the building.
At the first meeting, it would be probably helpful to talk about the purpose of Friends of Victoria University and ways in which the group can help support the university, campuses, students and staff facing retrenchments.
12 November 2008
Things we can do 11
Sent the PM an email regarding VU Staff cuts and how this goes against their Education Revolution and Social Inclusion policy.
This idea is from fellow student, Christine, who received the following email from our PM about his new website www.kevinpm.com.au. Thank you, Christine.
Dear Christine,
As a supporter of the Kevin07 campaign, I wanted you to be the first to hear about my new website: KevinPM.com.au
I'll be using the site to speak frankly with you about the big challenges facing Australia; the global economy, education, climate change, and the health of Australians, but just as importantly it will enable me to hear your ideas for the direction of the nation.
We'll also be posting video messages to the site - and here is a link to the first one: www.KevinPM.com.au There are also links to social network sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and the photo-sharing website Flickr so you can participate in the democratic process in the way you feel most comfortable.
Please feel free to share the new site with your friends and colleagues. I look forward to talking with you through this new site.
Kevin Rudd
This idea is from fellow student, Christine, who received the following email from our PM about his new website www.kevinpm.com.au. Thank you, Christine.
Dear Christine,
As a supporter of the Kevin07 campaign, I wanted you to be the first to hear about my new website: KevinPM.com.au
I'll be using the site to speak frankly with you about the big challenges facing Australia; the global economy, education, climate change, and the health of Australians, but just as importantly it will enable me to hear your ideas for the direction of the nation.
We'll also be posting video messages to the site - and here is a link to the first one: www.KevinPM.com.au There are also links to social network sites like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and the photo-sharing website Flickr so you can participate in the democratic process in the way you feel most comfortable.
Please feel free to share the new site with your friends and colleagues. I look forward to talking with you through this new site.
Kevin Rudd
10 November 2008
Support staff against cuts
“MAINTAIN YOUR RAGE” PARTY
Time: 4.00 -- 8.00pm
Date: Friday November 14
Place: Footscray Park Bowls Club
(corner Hoadley Court & Ballarat Road, adjacent to FP campus)
MC: Rod Quantock
Music: The Conch and Trish Anderson
Drinks at the bar, snacks provided
Staff, students, families and community welcome
Free admission
Organised by the VU NTEU Branch
VU MATTERS!
Time: 4.00 -- 8.00pm
Date: Friday November 14
Place: Footscray Park Bowls Club
(corner Hoadley Court & Ballarat Road, adjacent to FP campus)
MC: Rod Quantock
Music: The Conch and Trish Anderson
Drinks at the bar, snacks provided
Staff, students, families and community welcome
Free admission
Organised by the VU NTEU Branch
VU MATTERS!
08 November 2008
NTEU Members' Meeting 6 November 2008
NTEU Members' Meeting 6 November 2008
Members attending the meeting at Footscray Park on 6 November 2008 passed the following motions unanimously;
Motion 1
That this meeting notes with anger and dismay:
1) the University management’s determination to see through the largest redundancy program in Australian university history.
2) that the redundancies, combined with course cutbacks, campus closures, car-parking changes, and management’s failure to enter seriously into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its staff, have done great harm to the University’s reputation. They will do even greater harm to its reputation in the months to come.
3) for the University management’s failure to manage the University’s resources in a way that could avoid this scale of trauma. Senior management should be held accountable. We note that no senior managers will take a pay-cut, much less a job-cut, for their ineptitude. What is more, we remain profoundly skeptical about management’s motives in launching this program of redundancies.
Motion 2
That this meeting reaffirms the five motions passed unanimously by 350 VU staff at a meeting on 21 October 2008. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to taking industrial action in pursuit of a Collective Agreement that would protect VU staff against such mistreatment by management in the future, should that be necessary.
Motion 3
That this meeting endorses the Union’s recommendation to pursue disputes over section 65 ‘Organisational Change’ of the current Enterprise Agreement. We shall take up these disputes ourselves, and we call on our colleagues also to take up these disputes.
Motion 4
That this meeting endorses the Union’s community campaign of engaging local politicians, media, and others with the scale of management failure of this crucial community asset for Melbourne’s greater western region.
Members attending the meeting at Footscray Park on 6 November 2008 passed the following motions unanimously;
Motion 1
That this meeting notes with anger and dismay:
1) the University management’s determination to see through the largest redundancy program in Australian university history.
2) that the redundancies, combined with course cutbacks, campus closures, car-parking changes, and management’s failure to enter seriously into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with its staff, have done great harm to the University’s reputation. They will do even greater harm to its reputation in the months to come.
3) for the University management’s failure to manage the University’s resources in a way that could avoid this scale of trauma. Senior management should be held accountable. We note that no senior managers will take a pay-cut, much less a job-cut, for their ineptitude. What is more, we remain profoundly skeptical about management’s motives in launching this program of redundancies.
Motion 2
That this meeting reaffirms the five motions passed unanimously by 350 VU staff at a meeting on 21 October 2008. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to taking industrial action in pursuit of a Collective Agreement that would protect VU staff against such mistreatment by management in the future, should that be necessary.
Motion 3
That this meeting endorses the Union’s recommendation to pursue disputes over section 65 ‘Organisational Change’ of the current Enterprise Agreement. We shall take up these disputes ourselves, and we call on our colleagues also to take up these disputes.
Motion 4
That this meeting endorses the Union’s community campaign of engaging local politicians, media, and others with the scale of management failure of this crucial community asset for Melbourne’s greater western region.
NTEU Public Meeting 6 Nov - Update
Motions from community meeting on 6 November in support of VU staff
A well attended community meeting in Footscray heard from members of staff and students at Victoria University, and from Labor and Greens members of Parliament, on the concocted crisis at Victoria University and passed the following motions:
1. That this meeting calls on Victoria University to:Immediately stop its plans to cut 20% of education courses and sack 270 staff which will have a negative effect on higher education, the western region community and students who attend Victoria University.Halt campus closures until affected communities have had adequate time to review these decisions and have real input into the decisions which will have an impact on tertiary education in their area.Consider a wider range of sustainable alternatives to the present course of action that trades buildings for core education services and jobs.
2. That this meeting further calls on the Federal Government to provide improved funding to strengthen education services at Victoria University and repeal John Howard’s workchoices legislation.
3. That this meeting authorises the formation a Friends of Victoria University to lobby, support and take action to defend Victoria University as a valuable community asset for the west and the region.
4. That this meeting calls on Elizabeth Harman Vice Chancellor of Victoria University to resign immediately.
A well attended community meeting in Footscray heard from members of staff and students at Victoria University, and from Labor and Greens members of Parliament, on the concocted crisis at Victoria University and passed the following motions:
1. That this meeting calls on Victoria University to:Immediately stop its plans to cut 20% of education courses and sack 270 staff which will have a negative effect on higher education, the western region community and students who attend Victoria University.Halt campus closures until affected communities have had adequate time to review these decisions and have real input into the decisions which will have an impact on tertiary education in their area.Consider a wider range of sustainable alternatives to the present course of action that trades buildings for core education services and jobs.
2. That this meeting further calls on the Federal Government to provide improved funding to strengthen education services at Victoria University and repeal John Howard’s workchoices legislation.
3. That this meeting authorises the formation a Friends of Victoria University to lobby, support and take action to defend Victoria University as a valuable community asset for the west and the region.
4. That this meeting calls on Elizabeth Harman Vice Chancellor of Victoria University to resign immediately.
06 November 2008
Things we can do 10
Attend the Public Meeting organised by NTEU this evening
Time: 7.30 pm
Date: 6 Nov
Place: The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall)
What is the future of Victoria University?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr James Doughney, President, NTEU Victorian Division
Hon Colleen Hartland, Greens MLC for Western Region
Leon Burger, President, VU Student Association
Joanne Duncan MP, (ALP) member for Macedon
Scott Jordan, VU Politics, History and Social Sciences Association
Time: 7.30 pm
Date: 6 Nov
Place: The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall)
What is the future of Victoria University?
Confirmed Speakers:
Dr James Doughney, President, NTEU Victorian Division
Hon Colleen Hartland, Greens MLC for Western Region
Leon Burger, President, VU Student Association
Joanne Duncan MP, (ALP) member for Macedon
Scott Jordan, VU Politics, History and Social Sciences Association
05 November 2008
Western Suburbs Day of Community Action 6 Nov 2008
For those who are interested:
Western Suburbs Day of Community Action – Stop the Cuts: staff, students and western region community.
Thursday 6 of November :
Time: 9am, leave by 9.15 am.
Event: Melton Community Protest. All Welcome. Join the Melton Community in a protest against the closure of Melton campus and cuts to Victoria University and retrenchments. Melton Freedom Ride Bus leaves from outside Footscray Bowling Club, Hoadley Crescent , Footscray (Next to D Block, Footscray Park). Or meet us at Victoria University, Melton campus, Rees Road, Melton at 10 am. Return around 11 am.2.
Time: 1pm – 2 pm, NTEU members meeting (students and non-members welcome).
Report back on IRC application for an industrial ballot and strategies for action. Room G370, Footscray Park Campus.
Time: 7.30 pm, Public Meeting.
The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall) What is the future of Victoria University? Victoria University has announced it will sack 270 staff. What does this mean for the future of VU? What are the implications of quality of education provided to VU students? Defend Victoria University as a valuable public asset.
Confirmed Speakers:
Joanne Duncan, MLA for Macedon (covering Sunbury campus of VU);
Colleen Hartland, MLC for Western Metropolitan;
Dr Jamie Doughney, President NTEU Victorian Division;
Leon Burger, President VU student union;
Scott Jordan, VU student action group.
Invited but not confirmed: Elizabeth Harman, Vice-Chancellor Victoria University,
Hon. Julia Gillard, Minister for Education and Workplace Relations;
Hon. Jacinta Allen, Minster for Skills and Workforce Participation.
Western Suburbs Day of Community Action – Stop the Cuts: staff, students and western region community.
Thursday 6 of November :
Time: 9am, leave by 9.15 am.
Event: Melton Community Protest. All Welcome. Join the Melton Community in a protest against the closure of Melton campus and cuts to Victoria University and retrenchments. Melton Freedom Ride Bus leaves from outside Footscray Bowling Club, Hoadley Crescent , Footscray (Next to D Block, Footscray Park). Or meet us at Victoria University, Melton campus, Rees Road, Melton at 10 am. Return around 11 am.2.
Time: 1pm – 2 pm, NTEU members meeting (students and non-members welcome).
Report back on IRC application for an industrial ballot and strategies for action. Room G370, Footscray Park Campus.
Time: 7.30 pm, Public Meeting.
The Church Hall 10a Hyde street. Footscray (next to Town Hall) What is the future of Victoria University? Victoria University has announced it will sack 270 staff. What does this mean for the future of VU? What are the implications of quality of education provided to VU students? Defend Victoria University as a valuable public asset.
Confirmed Speakers:
Joanne Duncan, MLA for Macedon (covering Sunbury campus of VU);
Colleen Hartland, MLC for Western Metropolitan;
Dr Jamie Doughney, President NTEU Victorian Division;
Leon Burger, President VU student union;
Scott Jordan, VU student action group.
Invited but not confirmed: Elizabeth Harman, Vice-Chancellor Victoria University,
Hon. Julia Gillard, Minister for Education and Workplace Relations;
Hon. Jacinta Allen, Minster for Skills and Workforce Participation.
03 November 2008
Attack the Issues
I have maintained from the beginning of this blog that I support VU Staff. I will get involve in students activities that highlight discussions and debates pertaining to how we can try and save as many jobs as possible.
However, I will not make this personal. Therefore I do not support any personal attacks on the Vice Chancellor, Liz Harman or any of the council members. I disagree with the manner in which the decisions were made (i.e lack of consultations, mediation or mitigating factors). I do not know the VC personally so I cannot make a value judgement or give you an opinion of her. As I reflect some people's career and achievements, most do not get to be at the top management without intelligence, management and people skills, hardwork, specialisation, peer recognition of their abilities... etc. Regardless of these abilities they can make mistakes and error in judgment pertaining to the decisions. And on these errors and mistakes we shall judge them.
So let's stick to the issues.
However, I will not make this personal. Therefore I do not support any personal attacks on the Vice Chancellor, Liz Harman or any of the council members. I disagree with the manner in which the decisions were made (i.e lack of consultations, mediation or mitigating factors). I do not know the VC personally so I cannot make a value judgement or give you an opinion of her. As I reflect some people's career and achievements, most do not get to be at the top management without intelligence, management and people skills, hardwork, specialisation, peer recognition of their abilities... etc. Regardless of these abilities they can make mistakes and error in judgment pertaining to the decisions. And on these errors and mistakes we shall judge them.
So let's stick to the issues.
Justice Frank Vincent calls for apology from Don Nardella, MLA
31 October 2008
The following statement has been issued by the Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor Victoria University.
The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor of Victoria University is surprised and distressed that the MLA for Melton, Don Nardella, has made a unreasonable and personal attacks on Victoria University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Harman, under Parliamentary Privilege.
He says: "It is important to note that the Vice Chancellor is an employee of the University who is charged with implementing the decisions of Council and entrusted with the management of the affairs of the University in accordance with the strategic directions and mission as determined by Council."
"It needs to be made clear with respect to the matters raised by Mr Nardella that the Vice Chancellor is acting under the directions of Council and in line with its decisions."
"The matters Don Nardella has raised about the future of Melton and Sunbury campuses and the University's need to staff it's courses and deliver its programs as efficiently as possible to which Mr Nardella referred, have been the subjects of the most serious consideration by Council over a substantial period of time through its committees, formal Council meetings and retreats.
The Vice Chancellor is responsible to Council for the implementation of its policy decisions."
"I call upon Mr Nardella to retract his inaccurate and highly emotive comments and apologise to the Vice Chancellor for the deeply regrettable personal nature of them."
The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent is not available for interview on this issue
Media Contacts:
Ms Christine White, Media Manager,Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884
Andy Gash, Snr. Media OfficerMarketing and Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900
The following statement has been issued by the Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor Victoria University.
The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent, AO, Chancellor of Victoria University is surprised and distressed that the MLA for Melton, Don Nardella, has made a unreasonable and personal attacks on Victoria University's Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Harman, under Parliamentary Privilege.
He says: "It is important to note that the Vice Chancellor is an employee of the University who is charged with implementing the decisions of Council and entrusted with the management of the affairs of the University in accordance with the strategic directions and mission as determined by Council."
"It needs to be made clear with respect to the matters raised by Mr Nardella that the Vice Chancellor is acting under the directions of Council and in line with its decisions."
"The matters Don Nardella has raised about the future of Melton and Sunbury campuses and the University's need to staff it's courses and deliver its programs as efficiently as possible to which Mr Nardella referred, have been the subjects of the most serious consideration by Council over a substantial period of time through its committees, formal Council meetings and retreats.
The Vice Chancellor is responsible to Council for the implementation of its policy decisions."
"I call upon Mr Nardella to retract his inaccurate and highly emotive comments and apologise to the Vice Chancellor for the deeply regrettable personal nature of them."
The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent is not available for interview on this issue
Media Contacts:
Ms Christine White, Media Manager,Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884
Andy Gash, Snr. Media OfficerMarketing and Communications Department, Victoria UniversityPh: (03) 9919 4950; mobile: 0411 255 900
01 November 2008
VU Council Composition
VU Council
Composition
The Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor
Two persons elected by the board or boards established under the Statutes to be responsible for academic programs and courses of study in higher education and technical and further education in the University
Three persons elected by and from the staff of the University prescribed by the Statutes;
(Note 1 H/Ed, 1 TAFE and 1 General Staff)
Two persons elected by and from the students enrolled at the University prescribed by the Statutes; (Note 1 H/Ed and 1 TAFE)
Six persons appointed by the Governor-in-Council
One person appointed by the Minister
Six persons appointed by the Council;
Of the members appointed under sub-section (2)(g) & (i) -
(a) two must be persons with financial expertise with relevant qualifications and experience in financial management at a senior level;
(b) one must be a person with commercial expertise at a senior level;
(c) one must be a person who has substantial knowledge or experience of vocational education and training.
(d) three must be persons who live in or about the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
Composition
The Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor
Two persons elected by the board or boards established under the Statutes to be responsible for academic programs and courses of study in higher education and technical and further education in the University
Three persons elected by and from the staff of the University prescribed by the Statutes;
(Note 1 H/Ed, 1 TAFE and 1 General Staff)
Two persons elected by and from the students enrolled at the University prescribed by the Statutes; (Note 1 H/Ed and 1 TAFE)
Six persons appointed by the Governor-in-Council
One person appointed by the Minister
Six persons appointed by the Council;
Of the members appointed under sub-section (2)(g) & (i) -
(a) two must be persons with financial expertise with relevant qualifications and experience in financial management at a senior level;
(b) one must be a person with commercial expertise at a senior level;
(c) one must be a person who has substantial knowledge or experience of vocational education and training.
(d) three must be persons who live in or about the Western Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
VU Council
Last week I was lucky to get an Observer's Pass to observe the Council Meeting. I had no idea who are the VU council. A big mistake. I should have familiarise myself. Anyway, this week, I decided to satisfy my curiosity and do some research. Ok. Ok I admit it. Any excuse to get out of working on my assignments. But... I can justify this as part of Human Service Organisation research?? Right?? Oh well, I tried :)
The information is available at VU websites & therefore public information. Im sure most of you have more interesting things in life than go surf websites for such interesting (NOT) information. Yes, I do need to get a life but that's another story for another day. So, here goes
Victoria University of Technology was established on 1 July 1990 by an Act of the State Parliament entitled the Victoria University of Technology Act 1990. The University, thorugh its Council and other Committees and Boards, pursues the objects and exercises the powers conferred upon it by the Act.
The Council is the governing authority and has the direction and superintendence of the University. The Council monitors aspects of university-wide activity, and oversees the formulation and implementation of the University Strategic Plan. It works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and President as the University's Chief Executive Officer to maxmise the efficiency and effectiveness of the University.
The Council has established a number of standing committees to assist it in its work, namely:
the Chancellor's Committee;
the Resources Committee;
the Strategy Committee; and
the Audit and Risk Committee.
These committees address specific and specialised matters and refer their advice and consideration of these matters to Council for final decision making. Membership of these standing committees consists primarily of members of Council. During the academic year, the Council usually meets six times a year. The standing committees generally meet on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
In addition, there is one statutory Board that is required by the Act or subordinate legislation to provide advice to Council or the Education and Research Board.
http://gpps.vu.edu.au/committee/id/1/cid/9/parent/0/t/committee/title/Council
The information is available at VU websites & therefore public information. Im sure most of you have more interesting things in life than go surf websites for such interesting (NOT) information. Yes, I do need to get a life but that's another story for another day. So, here goes
Victoria University of Technology was established on 1 July 1990 by an Act of the State Parliament entitled the Victoria University of Technology Act 1990. The University, thorugh its Council and other Committees and Boards, pursues the objects and exercises the powers conferred upon it by the Act.
The Council is the governing authority and has the direction and superintendence of the University. The Council monitors aspects of university-wide activity, and oversees the formulation and implementation of the University Strategic Plan. It works closely with the Vice-Chancellor and President as the University's Chief Executive Officer to maxmise the efficiency and effectiveness of the University.
The Council has established a number of standing committees to assist it in its work, namely:
the Chancellor's Committee;
the Resources Committee;
the Strategy Committee; and
the Audit and Risk Committee.
These committees address specific and specialised matters and refer their advice and consideration of these matters to Council for final decision making. Membership of these standing committees consists primarily of members of Council. During the academic year, the Council usually meets six times a year. The standing committees generally meet on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
In addition, there is one statutory Board that is required by the Act or subordinate legislation to provide advice to Council or the Education and Research Board.
http://gpps.vu.edu.au/committee/id/1/cid/9/parent/0/t/committee/title/Council
NTEU Public Meeting
NTEU Public Metting
Date: Thursday, 06 NOV 2008
Time: At 7:30 p.m.
Place: Church Hall [Uniting Church]
10a Hyde Street, Footscray, VIC
Topic: “What is the Future of VU?”
Those Invited, include:
Julia Gillard, AU Deputy Prime Minister
Jacinta Allen, VIC Minister For Employment and Youth Affairs
Hon Justice Frank Vincent, VU Chancellor
Elizabeth Harman, VU Vice-Chancellor
NTEU Representatives to answer questions
All students interested in preserving VU
Any interested person or one who offers support of VU
Date: Thursday, 06 NOV 2008
Time: At 7:30 p.m.
Place: Church Hall [Uniting Church]
10a Hyde Street, Footscray, VIC
Topic: “What is the Future of VU?”
Those Invited, include:
Julia Gillard, AU Deputy Prime Minister
Jacinta Allen, VIC Minister For Employment and Youth Affairs
Hon Justice Frank Vincent, VU Chancellor
Elizabeth Harman, VU Vice-Chancellor
NTEU Representatives to answer questions
All students interested in preserving VU
Any interested person or one who offers support of VU
Student Support Meeting
Next Student Support Meeting
Date: Wednesday, 05 NOV 2008
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Footscray Campus, Bldg A, Room 315
For more information contact vu_sag@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, 05 NOV 2008
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Place: Footscray Campus, Bldg A, Room 315
For more information contact vu_sag@yahoo.com
Parliamentary comments by Don Nardella, Labor MLA for Melton
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
DAILY HANSARD
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Adjournment motion, Don Nardella, Labor MLA for Melton
Victoria University: campus closures
Mr NARDELLA (Melton) — My adjournment matter matter is for the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. The action I seek is for her to have discussions with Victoria University, following its decision yesterday to close the Melton and Sunbury campuses, to force the university to institute transitional arrangements to retain higher education, TAFE courses and community activities at the Melton campus and to do what she can to stop as many redundancies of the 270 forced redundancies as possible.
Victoria University vice-chancellor, Professor Liz Harman, is destroying this great institution. She has presented a fait accompli to the university council regarding the campus closures and the 270 redundancies. Professor Harman and her sycophant management team announced the forced redundancies last week and then presented this fait accompli of the closures to the council yesterday. The council had toaccept the proposal or take a no-confidence position with regard to her. The vice-chancellor would have been forced to resign if her decisions had not been adopted. Professor Harman and her management toecutters took the easy decision in the Thatcher mould to implement economic rationalist policies that weaken local communities and to take away a critical piece of infrastructure that adds to the social capital and lifelong learning opportunities available in the disadvantaged and growing areas of the outer west where greater access and equity are needed.
She has form in the 2006 sackings and now these sackings two years later. Professor Harman is selling and closing the heritage, the assets and the legacy of generations of western suburbs residents, students and communities who have built up this great institution. She is just selling it off. In two years time she will move on. She will leave once her contract ends, but her legacy, her disaster and her scorched-earth policy and practice will remain from heringlorious wasted term of office.
Since being appointed to Victoria University (VU), Professor Harman’s modus operandi has been to sell,sell, sell — like an auctioneer — the campuses under her control. She is shutting down the Newport VU campus, not caring about the students in automotive studies who have nowhere to go next year. Who will train the western suburbs motor mechanics in the future? Certainly not VU! Professor Harman does not care, does not undertake real consultation or listen to reason, and is callous about sacking 270 people, with real families, just before Christmas. This is heartless. This is the Christmas present awaiting 270 families this year, following in the footsteps of Kennett, who sacked 1600 school cleaners just before Christmas in 1993. It is cruel and heartless.
For an intellectual, Professor Harman has not done any hard thinking in conjunction with local communities, students, staff and other stakeholders to build this institution, not to disassemble it and weaken it, to sack great committed hardworking staff at all levels, and to bring this great institution to its knees and into disrepute, where all staff are scared for their future and where VU will have real difficulty attracting staff in the future. It is a real tragedy that VU is disappearing into its own orifice and becoming unviable, where in the near future it will be taken over to survive long after Professor Harman and her sycophantic managers are gone.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
DAILY HANSARD
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Adjournment motion, Don Nardella, Labor MLA for Melton
Victoria University: campus closures
Mr NARDELLA (Melton) — My adjournment matter matter is for the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation. The action I seek is for her to have discussions with Victoria University, following its decision yesterday to close the Melton and Sunbury campuses, to force the university to institute transitional arrangements to retain higher education, TAFE courses and community activities at the Melton campus and to do what she can to stop as many redundancies of the 270 forced redundancies as possible.
Victoria University vice-chancellor, Professor Liz Harman, is destroying this great institution. She has presented a fait accompli to the university council regarding the campus closures and the 270 redundancies. Professor Harman and her sycophant management team announced the forced redundancies last week and then presented this fait accompli of the closures to the council yesterday. The council had toaccept the proposal or take a no-confidence position with regard to her. The vice-chancellor would have been forced to resign if her decisions had not been adopted. Professor Harman and her management toecutters took the easy decision in the Thatcher mould to implement economic rationalist policies that weaken local communities and to take away a critical piece of infrastructure that adds to the social capital and lifelong learning opportunities available in the disadvantaged and growing areas of the outer west where greater access and equity are needed.
She has form in the 2006 sackings and now these sackings two years later. Professor Harman is selling and closing the heritage, the assets and the legacy of generations of western suburbs residents, students and communities who have built up this great institution. She is just selling it off. In two years time she will move on. She will leave once her contract ends, but her legacy, her disaster and her scorched-earth policy and practice will remain from heringlorious wasted term of office.
Since being appointed to Victoria University (VU), Professor Harman’s modus operandi has been to sell,sell, sell — like an auctioneer — the campuses under her control. She is shutting down the Newport VU campus, not caring about the students in automotive studies who have nowhere to go next year. Who will train the western suburbs motor mechanics in the future? Certainly not VU! Professor Harman does not care, does not undertake real consultation or listen to reason, and is callous about sacking 270 people, with real families, just before Christmas. This is heartless. This is the Christmas present awaiting 270 families this year, following in the footsteps of Kennett, who sacked 1600 school cleaners just before Christmas in 1993. It is cruel and heartless.
For an intellectual, Professor Harman has not done any hard thinking in conjunction with local communities, students, staff and other stakeholders to build this institution, not to disassemble it and weaken it, to sack great committed hardworking staff at all levels, and to bring this great institution to its knees and into disrepute, where all staff are scared for their future and where VU will have real difficulty attracting staff in the future. It is a real tragedy that VU is disappearing into its own orifice and becoming unviable, where in the near future it will be taken over to survive long after Professor Harman and her sycophantic managers are gone.
29 October 2008
Keep writing to your MP
Please continue to write (letters/emails) to your Member of Parliaments (MPs). As evident from the email Christine sent to her local state member and the respond she received our MP will listen and advocate on our behalf.
Christine had also written to her local Federal MP last week and received a supportive reply.
I wrote to my local Federal Member for Deakin, Mike Symon, last week and he too replied and said that he had forwarded my letter to the Minister of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, and Social Inclusion, Julia Gillard for her consideration.
I know many have written to their local members. Email the reply to me if you are happy for me to blog it.
Christine had also written to her local Federal MP last week and received a supportive reply.
I wrote to my local Federal Member for Deakin, Mike Symon, last week and he too replied and said that he had forwarded my letter to the Minister of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, and Social Inclusion, Julia Gillard for her consideration.
I know many have written to their local members. Email the reply to me if you are happy for me to blog it.
Letter to Joanne Duncan MP and her reply
A fellow student, Christine, wrote this email to Joanne Duncan, MP Member for Macedon and received the following response. [Christine has kindly given me permission to post the emails on this blog. Thanks.]
To: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.a
Date: 23/10/2008 11:39PM
Subject: Victoria University
Dear Joanne
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed staff cuts atVictoria University. Once again those of us who live in the Northern andWestern suburbs are being deprived of resources. I am a second yearstudent in the Bachelor of Social Work at the St Albans campus. I am asingle mother returning to study after many years at home caring forchildren (including 2 with disabilities). It would not be possible for meto study elsewhere largely because of other State Government educationpolicies which result in me needing to drive my children to St Albans eachday in order to access an education to meet their special needs. As aresident of Sunbury I am also concerned about the potential closure of theSunbury and Melton campuses. As our local member I would urge you toadvocate on our behalf for some degree of equity in the provision ofeducational resources.
Yours sincerely
Christine Quilty
From: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au
[mailto:joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 29 October 2008 11:14 AM
To: christine quilty
Subject: Re: Victoria University
Dear Christine,
Sorry I should have combined these two emails..
I raised this issue in Parliament last night with the Minsiter for Skills and Workforce Participation and wrote to the VU Council last week. Basically we want a meeting to ensure there is some transition plan and that post compulsory education continues at that site. I was very disappointed in their press release because I am of the view that if they offer courses that are relevant, students will come and this decision is premature given the Federal Governments current review which is very likely to increase funding to univerisites etc.The Minister and I will do all we can to keep this campus open keeping in mind the financial management decisions rest with the university and the university council..
Kind regards
Joanne
Joanne Duncan MP
Member for Macedon
telephone: 54 282138
fax: 54 282919
To: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.a
Date: 23/10/2008 11:39PM
Subject: Victoria University
Dear Joanne
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed staff cuts atVictoria University. Once again those of us who live in the Northern andWestern suburbs are being deprived of resources. I am a second yearstudent in the Bachelor of Social Work at the St Albans campus. I am asingle mother returning to study after many years at home caring forchildren (including 2 with disabilities). It would not be possible for meto study elsewhere largely because of other State Government educationpolicies which result in me needing to drive my children to St Albans eachday in order to access an education to meet their special needs. As aresident of Sunbury I am also concerned about the potential closure of theSunbury and Melton campuses. As our local member I would urge you toadvocate on our behalf for some degree of equity in the provision ofeducational resources.
Yours sincerely
Christine Quilty
From: joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au
[mailto:joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 29 October 2008 11:14 AM
To: christine quilty
Subject: Re: Victoria University
Dear Christine,
Sorry I should have combined these two emails..
I raised this issue in Parliament last night with the Minsiter for Skills and Workforce Participation and wrote to the VU Council last week. Basically we want a meeting to ensure there is some transition plan and that post compulsory education continues at that site. I was very disappointed in their press release because I am of the view that if they offer courses that are relevant, students will come and this decision is premature given the Federal Governments current review which is very likely to increase funding to univerisites etc.The Minister and I will do all we can to keep this campus open keeping in mind the financial management decisions rest with the university and the university council..
Kind regards
Joanne
Joanne Duncan MP
Member for Macedon
telephone: 54 282138
fax: 54 282919
Draft Template
A fellow student, Anna L, wrote this letter to her MP and she is happy to share with other students who might like to use the template. Thanks Anna.
*********************************************************************
Date
[Name of Elected Federal MP for your area],
Federal Member of Parliament,[your electorate name]
Electorate,[address of MPs office in electorate][postcode]
(you can google this info once getting name from AEC)
Dear [MP’s name],
I am a resident of the [your electorate name, (look up in AEC website)] Electorate, and the (friend, sibling, parent, employer) of a social work student of Victoria University. I understand that effectively 1 in every 5 staff members, or 270 staff in total, will be cut from VU courses, and that smaller courses will be lost to the students of VU.
Victoria University was established to be accessible and to accommodate the learning needs of students who come from very diverse backgrounds and experiences. This had the flow on effect of encouraging professional employment and opportunities for individuals and families to not only improve their life prospects and escape the poverty trap, but also to reduce their dependency on social security payments, and to instead contribute to the economy through gainful employment.
VU gave hope to the community, hope to families that through appropriate education their children may have greater opportunities in life and a very realistic chance that they would be offered a place at a local campus in a wide variety of courses offered. The variety of courses and pathways catered to the needs of students who live or work in the western suburbs and therefore encouraged engagement in higher education and meaningful activity. Many of these students cannot afford a lot of travel on a daily basis, nor to live away from home in order to access a university education. Furthermore, many students both work and study within the western region and contribute to and strengthen local community.
Welfare and social work are key services to the western suburbs and many students complete the field education component of their studies within this region, and some then gain employment at these workplaces on completion of their placements; unpaid placements which amount up to a year’s worth of free service to the community. The Social Work course at VU sends students into the community field education placements each year, therefore creating strong and viable community links. If the social work course, or indeed staff from within it, were lost from VU, its service and contribution to the community would also be largely lost. Furthermore the welfare sector in the West may struggle to find employees and to provide the services required by residents. I believe the loss of jobs especially across social work and welfare related courses will prove to be detrimental not only to students but also to the western suburbs, and the economy over the longer term.
If major cuts occur Victoria University will no longer be a “New School of Thought” within the western suburbs of Melbourne. Such action will exclude many disadvantaged students from obtaining tertiary qualifications.
I appeal to you to lobby in support of retaining staff and courses at all campuses of Victoria University, particularly in the areas of Social Work and Welfare, and on behalf of many VU students who live or work within your electorate.
Yours sincerely,
(your name)
*********************************************************************
Date
[Name of Elected Federal MP for your area],
Federal Member of Parliament,[your electorate name]
Electorate,[address of MPs office in electorate][postcode]
(you can google this info once getting name from AEC)
Dear [MP’s name],
I am a resident of the [your electorate name, (look up in AEC website)] Electorate, and the (friend, sibling, parent, employer) of a social work student of Victoria University. I understand that effectively 1 in every 5 staff members, or 270 staff in total, will be cut from VU courses, and that smaller courses will be lost to the students of VU.
Victoria University was established to be accessible and to accommodate the learning needs of students who come from very diverse backgrounds and experiences. This had the flow on effect of encouraging professional employment and opportunities for individuals and families to not only improve their life prospects and escape the poverty trap, but also to reduce their dependency on social security payments, and to instead contribute to the economy through gainful employment.
VU gave hope to the community, hope to families that through appropriate education their children may have greater opportunities in life and a very realistic chance that they would be offered a place at a local campus in a wide variety of courses offered. The variety of courses and pathways catered to the needs of students who live or work in the western suburbs and therefore encouraged engagement in higher education and meaningful activity. Many of these students cannot afford a lot of travel on a daily basis, nor to live away from home in order to access a university education. Furthermore, many students both work and study within the western region and contribute to and strengthen local community.
Welfare and social work are key services to the western suburbs and many students complete the field education component of their studies within this region, and some then gain employment at these workplaces on completion of their placements; unpaid placements which amount up to a year’s worth of free service to the community. The Social Work course at VU sends students into the community field education placements each year, therefore creating strong and viable community links. If the social work course, or indeed staff from within it, were lost from VU, its service and contribution to the community would also be largely lost. Furthermore the welfare sector in the West may struggle to find employees and to provide the services required by residents. I believe the loss of jobs especially across social work and welfare related courses will prove to be detrimental not only to students but also to the western suburbs, and the economy over the longer term.
If major cuts occur Victoria University will no longer be a “New School of Thought” within the western suburbs of Melbourne. Such action will exclude many disadvantaged students from obtaining tertiary qualifications.
I appeal to you to lobby in support of retaining staff and courses at all campuses of Victoria University, particularly in the areas of Social Work and Welfare, and on behalf of many VU students who live or work within your electorate.
Yours sincerely,
(your name)
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