Jobs spared as Deakin abandons contentious restructure proposal

Deakin University has abandoned controversial restructure plans that could have affected about 150 jobs, less than two weeks after the changes were proposed.

Staff were informed of the decision on Thursday in a joint email from chancellor Claire Higgins and caretaker vice-chancellor Professor Matthew Clarke, who confirmed the plans would not proceed and apologised for the uncertainty they had caused.

“We know this period has been unsettling, and that the uncertainty has weighed on many of you. We are sorry for that,” the email said.

“For those of you in the areas that were in scope, the proposed structures will not be implemented, and your roles continue as they are.”

But staff have been warned the decision does not mean change is off the table.

“Our focus on research, teaching and student support will not change, nor will the financial realities facing the sector and the university,” Higgins and Professor Clarke told staff.

“Changes will still be needed in time. But it must be the right change shaped with you, and that is the lesson we are taking from this.

“For now, please keep sharing your views. We are listening, and we will keep listening as we work out the best way forward.”

The decision follows a tumultuous fortnight for the university, which included the immediate resignation of vice-chancellor Professor Iain Martin and an industrial dispute launched by the National Tertiary Education Union over the proposed changes.

A Deakin University spokesperson said feedback from staff and the community had prompted the university to reconsider the proposals.

“They were substantial and complex, and the feedback has made clear we need to rethink our approach,” the spokesperson said.