Dear Colleagues,

14,000 jobs — that’s how many are projected to be lost nationwide due to the federal government’s new international student caps, expected to pass through parliament soon.

The impact is already being felt. In recent weeks, over 1,000 job cuts have been announced across Australia. Here in Victoria, Fed Uni, La Trobe and Swinburne have announced redundancies, while Monash and Melbourne have signalled no funding for sessional staff in 2025. ANU has even asked staff to forego their NTEU-negotiated pay increases to avoid further cuts.

But there’s more to the story.

These caps are providing a convenient justification for universities to downsize and shift more workload onto fewer staff—plans many institutions were already considering. This isn’t just about responding to government policy; it’s about organisational priorities.

We believe there’s a better way forward.

Join us for a statewide all-staff online meeting to discuss:

• How this will impact you and your colleagues.
• How universities are using these caps to justify pre-planned downsizing.
• How we can stand together and push back.

Online event: Higher Education jobs at risk: what to know, what’s next, what you can do

When: 12.30 Wednesday, 27 November

This isn’t just about one workplace. These changes reflect a broader approach from both government and management that undervalues the vital role of staff. While student numbers remain steady, universities are prioritising real estate, marketing, and consultants over the people who make universities run.

We’ve seen this before. During the pandemic, despite record profits, universities still made significant job cuts and increased workloads. Now, international student caps are being used to justify similar actions.

It’s time to stand together and demand that government and universities invest in staff and the long-term health of the higher education sector.

Together, we can make a difference. Join us on the 27th.

In solidarity 

Sarah Roberts

NTEU Victorian Division

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