Latest news with #NationalTertiaryEducationUnion
ABC News
03-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Australian National University announces more job cuts as it seeks to save $250 million
The Australian National University (ANU) is planning to cut another 59 jobs in its bid to save $250 million by 2026. The additional job losses come on top of the 41 proposed job cuts announced last month. The positions are across academic and professional roles from within the College of Science and Medicine, the College of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Research and Innovation Portfolio. The staff now have three weeks to provide their response and feedback to what the university intends to do. Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell said that while the job losses were necessary, the proposal was not set in stone and planned staff cuts could be changed. "Last year, for instance, we had multiple change plans and in each one of those instances, the number of staff that was impacted changed and it became a smaller number in those plans," she said. Professor Bell also acknowledged that the impact of the cuts was unclear, but that the broad offering of courses would continue. "It's not yet clear what the impact will be on courses, but the reality is we have programs that we are committed to and we'll continue to deliver those," she said. "It's really important that we maintain a really strong research portfolio and a really strong transformative educational experience." The union representing staff at the ANU says the cuts are eroding the academic stature and reputation of the university. In a statement, Dr Lachlan Clohesy, National Tertiary Education Union ACT division secretary, said the ANU shouldn't be proposing more job cuts. "These job losses lay at the feet of the vice-chancellor," he said. This latest round of cuts to reduce staff and money is part of a broader savings plan the ANU says is necessary to ensure the long-term future of the institution. "In October of last year, we agreed with [the ANU] Council that we needed to take $250 million out of the recurring operating base of the university," Professor Bell said. "Which was a big shift for the university but was the amount we needed so that we were no longer spending more than we were earning." The key aim for the ANU is to break even financially for 2026, and the total savings planned include $100 million less in staff salaries. "We are making strides along that journey for the $100 million we needed to take out of the salary of the university," Professor Bell said. In a statement, the ANU added that "it is anticipated that no organisational change proposals will be released beyond 31 October, 2025 for the 2025 year". But the university said it was unknown at this stage whether further changes or cuts would be required in 2026. The latest proposed savings come just weeks after Federal Education Minister Jason Clare raised "significant concerns" about the ANU with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency. A "live compliance process" — a review into the concerns raised at the ANU — is ongoing.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Great loss': community shock at death of Newcastle councillor
The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara.
The Herald
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Fedusa welcomes withdrawal of Seta board chairpersons
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has welcomed the withdrawal of the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons' appointments. Higher education minister Nobuhle Nkabane withdrew the appointments on Thursday with immediate effect. A leaked list of new appointments to Seta boards sparked a public debate after the revelation that Buyambo Mantashe, son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, had been named chairperson of the merSETA board. The list identifies him with the notable credential: 'Son of ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe'. 'I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns,' Nkabane said on Thursday. Fedusa said its affiliate, the National Tertiary Education Union, had written a letter to Nkabane, expressing grave concern over the process and seeming lack of transparency in the appointment of Seta board chairpersons.
