AT WHAT COST TO THE HUNTER MR HOWARD?

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which covers over 1500 University of Newcastle General Staff will campaign to fight the loss of 450 jobs at the University.

CPSU Branch President, Trevor White said: "The magnitude of the proposed job losses, and the proposed time frame, are devastating and extreme. If this is allowed to happen it will have a crippling effect on the University of Newcastle and threatens it's ability to continue as a competitive and viable educational institution. It will also have a massive flow on effect costing the Hunter region at least $20 million"

"Staff are angry but they are prepared to fight. They don't see why they have to bear the brunt of bad management, poor leadership and the callous indifference of the Federal Government."

The Federal Government recently removed the University of Newcastle's status as a regional University costing the University over $3.5 million a year. Further the Government has failed to allocate new HECS places for the Callaghan campus exacerbating the financial problems and limiting access to local University places for Hunter residents.

Mr White stated: "What the Federal Government should be doing is ensuring that the second largest employer in the Hunter region and one of Australia's leading Universities is not decimated by the loss of 450 jobs. If the Government stands by and allows this to happen then it shows it has no commitment to the Hunter community, staff and students of the University. As a minimum the government must reinstate the University's regional status to assist the University getting out of this mess."

The CPSU has established a campaign team and will fight to ensure that job losses are minimised and are used as a last resort and will be organising meetings of staff, students and concerned community groups.

CPSU Senior Industrial Officer, Andrew Holland said: "The University is legally obliged to consider all options to avoid job losses. We don't believe they are. The University has failed to disclose what services will be lost, what the new structure will be or how students and the community will be affected. We will be encouraging all staff, students and the Hunter community to support our campaign to fight the cuts.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Trevor White, CPSU University of Newcastle President, 4921 5662
Ron Hunter, CPSU Organiser, 0401 583 365 or 4921 5868
Andrew Holland, CPSU/PSA Senior Industrial Officer, 0418 236 867