The University rejects the assertions made by Senator Shoebridge in the strongest terms, and the claims made regarding Associate Professor Bayeh’s redundancy are incorrect.
Decisions surrounding redundancy are difficult, and the University does not take such decisions lightly.
The University’s staffing changes of 2025 followed a rigorous and fair process conducted in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement, University policy and Australian law.
Academic staff were provided with clear criteria, guidance and opportunities to apply for roles throughout the process.
Selection decisions were based on objective, forward-looking criteria, including school and faculty needs, demonstrated performance relative to opportunity and alignment with institutional priorities.
A range of measures were put in place to support consistency and fairness throughout the process, including diverse selection panels, standardised assessment approaches, consistent documentation and access to reasonable adjustments where required.
In most cases, the staffing changes across the two faculties where changes were proposed were achieved through voluntary redundancies.
Where involuntary redundancies occurred, affected staff had access to formal review processes in accordance with University procedures.
These reviews are carefully considered before the University makes a final decision, in line with established processes.
The University does not accept suggestions that the process was unfair or discriminatory and is confident that any process related to staffing changes was conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with relevant obligations.
The University does not hold information on staff members’ political associations, including union membership, and union membership is not considered in staffing decisions.
The University recognises this has been a difficult period for staff and remains committed to conducting these processes with care, fairness and respect.
ENDS