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Stoush Brewing over Mega-University Plan
The business case will assess costs, transition plans and funding as the government says a larger university could improve jobs and research outcomes.
- On Sunday, Premier Roger Cook and Tertiary and International Education Minister Tony Buti announced plans to build a business case for a proposed merger of Curtin University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia.
- Previous government studies identified that merging the institutions would provide maximum economic benefits and boost research funding, addressing declining student numbers and WA university standings compared to east coast counterparts.
- Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne expressed deep concern, stating the institution will "vigorously oppose" the merger, warning that a mega-university of nearly 120,000 students brings complexity that draws efforts away from core teaching.
- Shadow Education Minister Liam Staltari questioned the costs and taxpayer burden, while Murdoch University and the Curtin Student Guild raised concerns regarding the potential loss of choice and monopolisation of education in Western Australia.
- A steering committee led by businessman Mark Barnaba and medical researcher Professor Fiona Wood will oversee the business case, with findings expected by mid-2027.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Battle lines drawn as Curtin opposes WA’s mega-university plan
Curtin University vice chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne expressed deep concern about the merger and said the institution is planning to oppose the proposal.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
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