SRC Case Study: Budget Cuts Campaign Against UTS Budget Cuts

In November 2024, UTS announced plans for significant budget cuts due to an increased financial shortfall, now estimated at $100 million annually. This crisis, exacerbated by the federal government’s international student caps and broader issues within the Australian higher education sector, has led to proposed cuts in teaching, research, and professional services. The university’s management presented a strategy aimed at saving between $26 million and $57.9 million by reducing the number of subjects offered, decreasing casual staff hours, and making structural changes to faculties. These changes raised concerns about the impact on students' education quality, staff livelihoods, and the accessibility of courses.

The UTSSA recognised that the proposed budget cuts would severely affect both the quality of education at UTS and the livelihoods of staff, particularly casual academics. Given the financial constraints, the UTSSA identified key issues that would directly affect students: potential job losses, reduced subject offerings, larger class sizes, and the threat to academic progression due to course reductions. Students, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, would face the brunt of these changes, with an increased likelihood of disruptions to their studies. Additionally, the lack of transparency in UTS’s decision-making process sparked concerns among students and staff alike, highlighting a need for increased accountability and consultation.

The UTSSA, led by President Mia Campbell and Education Officer Samiha Emran, took immediate action by organising a campaign to oppose the cuts and advocate for transparency. The campaign focused on condemning the prioritisation of financial metrics over the quality of education, calling for greater transparency in the decision-making processes, and standing in solidarity with affected staff members.

1. Initial Discussions and Collaboration with NTEU: In late November 2024, Mia Campbell met with Sarah Attfield, the UTS NTEU (National Tertiary Education Union) Branch President, to discuss the likely student impacts of the budget cuts. These discussions formed the basis for further collaboration with the NTEU and led to the development of a unified campaign against the cuts.
2. SRC Motion: On December 4, 2024, a motion was passed at the UTSSA’s Student Representative Council (SRC) condemning the budget cuts. The motion called for transparency from UTS leadership and committed to working closely with the NTEU to monitor and respond to the situation.
3. Open Letter: A major step in the campaign was the drafting of an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor, which outlined the concerns of the UTSSA regarding the proposed cuts. The letter was turned into a petition on Megaphone, allowing UTS students to sign and show support for the cause. Social media graphics were designed to raise awareness and encourage students to sign the petition.
4. Engaging Students: To further mobilise support, the UTSSA planned to promote the petition during key student events such as Bluebird Brekkie and Night Owl. The goal was to engage new students, increase petition signatures, and provide more context about the campaign.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy: The UTSSA committed to staying updated on the situation, attending key meetings such as the Teaching and Learning Committee, and continuing to advocate for students and staff as more information about the budget cuts became available.

You can get involved by signing the open letter to urge UTS to protect education from budget cuts – show your support and take action here: Sign the Open Letter.