http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24676219-12332,00.html
Andrew Trounson November 20, 2008
Article from: The Australian
an extract... for full article click on the above link
INDUSTRIAL unrest at Victorian universities is set to worsen after La Trobe University warned staff that voluntary job cuts weren't meeting targets, raising the prospect of compulsory layoffs.
In response the National Tertiary Education Union has accused the university of accelerating the pace of previously announced savings targets.
Today hundreds of university staff across the Victorian sector will hold a public protest in Melbourne. The NTEU has accused vice-chancellors of acting prematurely in seeking to cut jobs when a funding boost from Canberra is expected following the release of the Bradley Review next month.
Over 470 administrative and academic jobs are on the block in Victoria as universities get squeezed by chronic government under-funding with indexation at only half the inflation rate.
Tumbling investment income is also set to hit well-endowed institutions, while growth in offshore student revenue is expected to slow.
But the NTEU is angry that universities are choosing to cut staff while still funding instrastructure expansions.
"In an environment when we are expecting increased funding from the federal government, the moves to cut staff is premature,"
At Victoria University vice chancellor Liz Harman is facing a revolt over job cuts with the NTEU set to strike next month after the job cut soured stalled enterprise bargaining talks.
21 November 2008
NTEU Media Release 20 Nov 2008
UNIVERSITY STAFF DEMAND MORE INVESTMENT,
HALT TO SACKINGS
MEDIA RELEASE
20 November 2008
Over 80% of staff in Victorian Universities believe that the sector is underfunded, and while a similar percentage of academic staff expressed the view that educational quality has suffered from funding limitations. These findings are part of a survey of University staff conducted by the National Tertiary Education Union over the past 2 weeks.
University staff from around Victoria will be rallying today calling on the Federal Government to turn around the decade long decline in public funding to universities and to call on universities to suspend any redundancies and job cuts until after the outcomes of the Bradley Review have been announced.
“It is about respect” said Matthew McGowan, Secretary of the NTEU Victorian Division. “After over a decade of hostility from the Howard Government, some universities have forgotten what collegiality means. Universities should be demonstrating best practice in employee management, not worst practice.”
The NTEU survey measured staff attitudes towards university management, Federal Government funding and the Bradley Review. The survey of over 3,300 staff found that most staff believe that:
Universities have become worse places to work over the past two years;
Funding limitations has negatively affected the quality of education at universities;
Universities are more concerned about gaining income than on outcomes for students;
Vice-Chancellors and senior management do not respect or value university staff; and
Universities should wait until after the Bradley Review is completed before making staff cuts.
“The Federal Government is also on notice. Universities are in dire need of increased public funding to undo the damage that has left Australia as one of the worst investors in higher education in the OECD,” he said.
Rally details
Today, Thursday 20 November, 11am
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, CBD
For more information
Alex White, NTEU Communications Officer, 0403 694 397, awhite@vic.nteu.org.au
HALT TO SACKINGS
MEDIA RELEASE
20 November 2008
Over 80% of staff in Victorian Universities believe that the sector is underfunded, and while a similar percentage of academic staff expressed the view that educational quality has suffered from funding limitations. These findings are part of a survey of University staff conducted by the National Tertiary Education Union over the past 2 weeks.
University staff from around Victoria will be rallying today calling on the Federal Government to turn around the decade long decline in public funding to universities and to call on universities to suspend any redundancies and job cuts until after the outcomes of the Bradley Review have been announced.
“It is about respect” said Matthew McGowan, Secretary of the NTEU Victorian Division. “After over a decade of hostility from the Howard Government, some universities have forgotten what collegiality means. Universities should be demonstrating best practice in employee management, not worst practice.”
The NTEU survey measured staff attitudes towards university management, Federal Government funding and the Bradley Review. The survey of over 3,300 staff found that most staff believe that:
Universities have become worse places to work over the past two years;
Funding limitations has negatively affected the quality of education at universities;
Universities are more concerned about gaining income than on outcomes for students;
Vice-Chancellors and senior management do not respect or value university staff; and
Universities should wait until after the Bradley Review is completed before making staff cuts.
“The Federal Government is also on notice. Universities are in dire need of increased public funding to undo the damage that has left Australia as one of the worst investors in higher education in the OECD,” he said.
Rally details
Today, Thursday 20 November, 11am
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, CBD
For more information
Alex White, NTEU Communications Officer, 0403 694 397, awhite@vic.nteu.org.au
VU quashes student accommodation rumours
http://www.vu.edu.au/About_VU/Media_Releases/VU_quashes_student_accommodation_rumours/indexdl_94435.aspx
Media Release
18 November 2008
Victoria University's Pro Vice Chancellor - Students, Mr Stephen Weller, said today that he was outraged about malicious rumours surrounding the future of student accommodation at Victoria University.
He said: "I can categorically state that students residing at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village in Maribyrnong have absolutely no need to worry about where they are going to live."
"Contrary to spiteful and inaccurate speculation, there has been no decision made in relation to the future of accommodation at Maribyrnong. In the case of the future of accommodation at Sunbury - that will be determined in parallel with decisions around the future of that campus - but at this stage we expect no changes to occur until at least the end of 2010."
"Recent assertions have caused distress to students living at these residences and this is unconscionable."
"VU is looking to increase the amount of accommodation available to students in the vicinity of its campuses, and to that end in July we sought expressions of interest for the provision and management of accommodation from potential, financiers developers and operators. We have had more than twenty expressions of interest and these are under consideration."
"The University provides accommodation for 500 students at Maribyrnong and 120 students at Sunbury."
"Far from cutting back on accommodation, the University has recently taken a head lease of a development of some 60 units on Ballarat Road."
"We want to set students minds at rest in relation to accommodation at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village at Maribyrnong."
"For the students who are living in the University's student accommodation, I want to make it absolutely clear that we have no plans to make any changes to accommodation arrangements and no one will end up without a roof over their head."
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
Media Release
18 November 2008
Victoria University's Pro Vice Chancellor - Students, Mr Stephen Weller, said today that he was outraged about malicious rumours surrounding the future of student accommodation at Victoria University.
He said: "I can categorically state that students residing at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village in Maribyrnong have absolutely no need to worry about where they are going to live."
"Contrary to spiteful and inaccurate speculation, there has been no decision made in relation to the future of accommodation at Maribyrnong. In the case of the future of accommodation at Sunbury - that will be determined in parallel with decisions around the future of that campus - but at this stage we expect no changes to occur until at least the end of 2010."
"Recent assertions have caused distress to students living at these residences and this is unconscionable."
"VU is looking to increase the amount of accommodation available to students in the vicinity of its campuses, and to that end in July we sought expressions of interest for the provision and management of accommodation from potential, financiers developers and operators. We have had more than twenty expressions of interest and these are under consideration."
"The University provides accommodation for 500 students at Maribyrnong and 120 students at Sunbury."
"Far from cutting back on accommodation, the University has recently taken a head lease of a development of some 60 units on Ballarat Road."
"We want to set students minds at rest in relation to accommodation at Sunbury Hall and the Student Village at Maribyrnong."
"For the students who are living in the University's student accommodation, I want to make it absolutely clear that we have no plans to make any changes to accommodation arrangements and no one will end up without a roof over their head."
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
Victoria Uni closure rally
http://moorabool-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/victoria-uni-closure-rally/
Moorabool Leader
Local News
13 Nov 08 @ 11:00am by Billy Crossland
ABOUT 50 students, staff and community members have rallied against the closure of Victoria University’s Melton Campus. The protest at the campus on Thursday followed public outcry over VU’s decision to close it and the Sunbury campus.
It was organised by education student Broden Borg, who addressed the crowd.
“The decision by VU to close this university has seen them fail in their commitment to provide tertiary education to the west,” he said. “The (university) council has put an economic rationalist need ahead of the community of Melton’s need.”
Certificate three disability student Cloie Robinson finished her course this year, hoping to go on to higher studies. But said she was having second thoughts. “Some people can’t afford to get into the city and this campus is bringing money down here and bringing more people to this area,” she said.
The protest was also attended by several members of the National Tertiary Education Union.
The union’s VU branch president, Richard Gough, said he was concerned about the future of sacked staff and the impact of the closure on the region.
“Obviously these campuses are part of a growing region of Melbourne and we think they have a future,” he said. “As part of our protest and our concerns we are here to support people in the Melton community as well as our members.”
VU has said the campus was not attracting students, operated at a higher cost per student than bigger campuses and was unlikely to reach a viable size by 2031.
Moorabool Council has condemned the decision and is calling on VU to extend courses offered at the campuses.
Moorabool Leader
Local News
13 Nov 08 @ 11:00am by Billy Crossland
ABOUT 50 students, staff and community members have rallied against the closure of Victoria University’s Melton Campus. The protest at the campus on Thursday followed public outcry over VU’s decision to close it and the Sunbury campus.
It was organised by education student Broden Borg, who addressed the crowd.
“The decision by VU to close this university has seen them fail in their commitment to provide tertiary education to the west,” he said. “The (university) council has put an economic rationalist need ahead of the community of Melton’s need.”
Certificate three disability student Cloie Robinson finished her course this year, hoping to go on to higher studies. But said she was having second thoughts. “Some people can’t afford to get into the city and this campus is bringing money down here and bringing more people to this area,” she said.
The protest was also attended by several members of the National Tertiary Education Union.
The union’s VU branch president, Richard Gough, said he was concerned about the future of sacked staff and the impact of the closure on the region.
“Obviously these campuses are part of a growing region of Melbourne and we think they have a future,” he said. “As part of our protest and our concerns we are here to support people in the Melton community as well as our members.”
VU has said the campus was not attracting students, operated at a higher cost per student than bigger campuses and was unlikely to reach a viable size by 2031.
Moorabool Council has condemned the decision and is calling on VU to extend courses offered at the campuses.
16 November 2008
SPECIAL VU COUNCIL BRIEFING – 17 NOV 2008
"MORE CLASSES NOT MORE CUTS!"
[non-violent protest]
Agenda: “Courses and Redundancies”
Date: Monday 17 November 2008
Time: Meet at 5pm (5:30pm Council Meeting Begins)
Place: VU Footscray Park Campus - 227 Ballarat Road
Council Chamber, Level 6, Building K
On Monday 17 November, Victoria University Council will again be meeting to vote on the sacking proposal, campus shut downs and the relocation of student housing. A staff, student and friends of VU 'welcoming committee' has been set up to 'welcome' Council members before the meeting in the hope of it persuading members to vote against the proposals. Student support and solidarity on Monday is very much needed as it may just provide a back-bone to some members and apply some more public pressure to VU management.
For more information write to VU Student Action Group vu_sag@yahoo.com
If you are interested in attending the Council's meeting as an observer, please contact Lyn Duffy to request for an Observer's Pass: Lyn.Duffy@vu.edu.au
[non-violent protest]
Agenda: “Courses and Redundancies”
Date: Monday 17 November 2008
Time: Meet at 5pm (5:30pm Council Meeting Begins)
Place: VU Footscray Park Campus - 227 Ballarat Road
Council Chamber, Level 6, Building K
On Monday 17 November, Victoria University Council will again be meeting to vote on the sacking proposal, campus shut downs and the relocation of student housing. A staff, student and friends of VU 'welcoming committee' has been set up to 'welcome' Council members before the meeting in the hope of it persuading members to vote against the proposals. Student support and solidarity on Monday is very much needed as it may just provide a back-bone to some members and apply some more public pressure to VU management.
For more information write to VU Student Action Group vu_sag@yahoo.com
If you are interested in attending the Council's meeting as an observer, please contact Lyn Duffy to request for an Observer's Pass: Lyn.Duffy@vu.edu.au
14 November 2008
Victoria University faces strike over staff cuts
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
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
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
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