Alison Barnes
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
Reposted by Alison Barnes
📣 An extra 9,500 domestic university places will be available next year.
“Students are entitled to the best education, and we need more staff providing pastoral care in our classrooms rather than seeing thousands of job losses.” - alisonbarnes.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEGJ...
“Students are entitled to the best education, and we need more staff providing pastoral care in our classrooms rather than seeing thousands of job losses.” - alisonbarnes.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEGJ...
Increase in university student numbers – Dr Alison Barnes, ABC news
YouTube video by NTEU
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:41 AM
📣 An extra 9,500 domestic university places will be available next year.
“Students are entitled to the best education, and we need more staff providing pastoral care in our classrooms rather than seeing thousands of job losses.” - alisonbarnes.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEGJ...
“Students are entitled to the best education, and we need more staff providing pastoral care in our classrooms rather than seeing thousands of job losses.” - alisonbarnes.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEGJ...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
📣 Calling all university staff and students 📣
Our universities are growing – but what does that mean for teaching, learning and student support?
Take our short survey (5–10 mins) today: nteu.info/classes
Our universities are growing – but what does that mean for teaching, learning and student support?
Take our short survey (5–10 mins) today: nteu.info/classes
November 10, 2025 at 5:43 AM
📣 Calling all university staff and students 📣
Our universities are growing – but what does that mean for teaching, learning and student support?
Take our short survey (5–10 mins) today: nteu.info/classes
Our universities are growing – but what does that mean for teaching, learning and student support?
Take our short survey (5–10 mins) today: nteu.info/classes
This is the third parliamentary inquiry into uni governance - federal, NSW, now Victoria. NTEU members have exposed the damning evidence: $280m+ wage theft, outrageous exec pay, toxic cultures, corporate-stacked boards. We're winning government action. www.premier.vic.gov.au/putting-stud...
Putting Student Voices At The Heart Of Universities
The Allan Labor Government is putting students and staff at the centre of university decision-making, ensuring Victorian universities reflect the communities they serve.Minister for Skills and TAFE Ga...
www.premier.vic.gov.au
October 20, 2025 at 10:14 PM
This is the third parliamentary inquiry into uni governance - federal, NSW, now Victoria. NTEU members have exposed the damning evidence: $280m+ wage theft, outrageous exec pay, toxic cultures, corporate-stacked boards. We're winning government action. www.premier.vic.gov.au/putting-stud...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
MAJOR UNION WIN 🥳 The federal government will implement a new set of university governance principles to strengthen accountability, transparency and public trust following recommendations from the Expert Council on University Governance.
Read more: nteu.info/majorwin
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
Read more: nteu.info/majorwin
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 12:42 AM
MAJOR UNION WIN 🥳 The federal government will implement a new set of university governance principles to strengthen accountability, transparency and public trust following recommendations from the Expert Council on University Governance.
Read more: nteu.info/majorwin
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
Read more: nteu.info/majorwin
@alisonbarnes.bsky.social
This damning report is really worth reading and the language of the authors’ criticism of uni executives and their failure to acknowledge the governance crisis is uncharacteristically strong.
The Expert Council on University Governance has delivered its recommendations – the depth of the crisis in our universities is clear. Thank you to every member who attended meetings, presented evidence, and stood up for better universities.
Read the report 👉 betterunis.nteu.au/inquiry/
Read the report 👉 betterunis.nteu.au/inquiry/
October 17, 2025 at 11:47 PM
This damning report is really worth reading and the language of the authors’ criticism of uni executives and their failure to acknowledge the governance crisis is uncharacteristically strong.
Wish I could talk about the teaching and research achievements of our members but nonetheless was great to join former colleague Sue Wright, debunking the excuses of the vice-chancellors’ lobby group for management’s bad decisions www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Academics dispute state of finances at leading Sydney university - ABC listen
Almost one in every two Australian universities has been restructured in the past year, and there is more to come.
Thousands of jobs have been cut, and thousands more are in the firing line.
At the ...
www.abc.net.au
September 27, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Wish I could talk about the teaching and research achievements of our members but nonetheless was great to join former colleague Sue Wright, debunking the excuses of the vice-chancellors’ lobby group for management’s bad decisions www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
It has taken time to get university governance on the public radar.
Our sector has experienced casualisation, wage theft, & mass job cuts.
@nteunion.bsky.social, especially @alisonbarnes.bsky.social, have been great at going after the root cause - the leadership & governance crisis in higher ed.
Our sector has experienced casualisation, wage theft, & mass job cuts.
@nteunion.bsky.social, especially @alisonbarnes.bsky.social, have been great at going after the root cause - the leadership & governance crisis in higher ed.
Hundreds of submissions, thousands of petition signatures & years of campaigning = a Senate committee backing the reforms we’ve fought for to fix uni governance.
This is a huge step forward, won by staff speaking out.
This is a huge step forward, won by staff speaking out.
September 19, 2025 at 6:26 AM
It has taken time to get university governance on the public radar.
Our sector has experienced casualisation, wage theft, & mass job cuts.
@nteunion.bsky.social, especially @alisonbarnes.bsky.social, have been great at going after the root cause - the leadership & governance crisis in higher ed.
Our sector has experienced casualisation, wage theft, & mass job cuts.
@nteunion.bsky.social, especially @alisonbarnes.bsky.social, have been great at going after the root cause - the leadership & governance crisis in higher ed.
Much attention has been on ANU but the governance crisis is broad and deep across the sector. Close scrutiny needs to be applied *everywhere*. This is shameful from UTS management.
University of Technology Sydney ordered a spreadsheet from KPMG targeting individual academics by research income, which might contravene the bargaining agreement. They repeatedly denied it even existed for several info requests. But that wasn't true. www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/educati...
Exclusive: University sought secret KPMG staff spreadsheet
The University of Technology Sydney denied the existence of a KPMG spreadsheet ranking the research performance of academics, in breach of its EBA, until it was forced to release it.
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
September 27, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Much attention has been on ANU but the governance crisis is broad and deep across the sector. Close scrutiny needs to be applied *everywhere*. This is shameful from UTS management.
The Senate inquiry’s interim recommendations are a massive win for @NTEUnion members’ campaign for governance reform. Transparency, caps on VC pay, stronger staff/student voices & tougher TEQSA powers – all welcome steps. There’s more to fight for!
Hundreds of submissions, thousands of petition signatures & years of campaigning = a Senate committee backing the reforms we’ve fought for to fix uni governance.
This is a huge step forward, won by staff speaking out.
This is a huge step forward, won by staff speaking out.
September 19, 2025 at 5:56 AM
The Senate inquiry’s interim recommendations are a massive win for @NTEUnion members’ campaign for governance reform. Transparency, caps on VC pay, stronger staff/student voices & tougher TEQSA powers – all welcome steps. There’s more to fight for!
This devastating plan is a disaster for the community and represents a
direct attack on the core mission of UTS. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
direct attack on the core mission of UTS. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
UTS’s teacher education program set to close as university reveals plan to slash more than 1,000 subjects
Of the 1,101 subjects to be discontinued, 463 had no student enrolments and weren’t taught in 2024, according to University of Technology Sydney’s proposal
www.theguardian.com
September 17, 2025 at 4:41 AM
This devastating plan is a disaster for the community and represents a
direct attack on the core mission of UTS. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
direct attack on the core mission of UTS. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Go Barnsey 🎸🎸🎸 www.afr.com/work-and-car...
Don’t stop the music: Jimmy Barnes signs on to save ANU school
A group of 35 musicians have called on the ANU to halt proposed changes to the School of Music saying it will rob musicians of future professional careers.
www.afr.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Go Barnsey 🎸🎸🎸 www.afr.com/work-and-car...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
Bishop needs to go as well. There is no sensible governance arrangement where she gets to lead appointing a new VC. A new Chancellor / Chair and then a deep breath followed by a proper process to appoint a new VC / CEO needed. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
ANU vice-chancellor resigns after months of controversy
Genevieve Bell has bowed to intense pressure and resigned from her position as Australian National University vice-chancellor.
www.abc.net.au
September 11, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Bishop needs to go as well. There is no sensible governance arrangement where she gets to lead appointing a new VC. A new Chancellor / Chair and then a deep breath followed by a proper process to appoint a new VC / CEO needed. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
"A completely broken governance system has allowed unaccountable executives to cause enormous damage to staff, students and communities" - Alison Barnes, NTEU National President @alisonbarnes.bsky.social @nteunion.bsky.social #ANU
region.com.au/genevieve-be...
region.com.au/genevieve-be...
Genevieve Bell resigns as ANU Vice-Chancellor, no word on the future of Renew ANU | Region Canberra
UPDATE 11:35 am: The ANU has now independently confirmed Professor Genevieve Bell has stepped down as Vice-Chancellor and President of…
region.com.au
September 11, 2025 at 10:15 PM
"A completely broken governance system has allowed unaccountable executives to cause enormous damage to staff, students and communities" - Alison Barnes, NTEU National President @alisonbarnes.bsky.social @nteunion.bsky.social #ANU
region.com.au/genevieve-be...
region.com.au/genevieve-be...
Extraordinary for uni bosses to suggest they have no control over the bottom line. Yes, the government needs to scrap Jobs Ready Graduates and replace it. But vice-chancellors must own $734m on consultants in a single year and the executive pay explosion! www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
University staff 'disheartened and demoralised' as thousands sacked
With the university sector in crisis, thousands face losing their jobs as unions blame poor management and students say they've lost hope.
www.abc.net.au
September 11, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Extraordinary for uni bosses to suggest they have no control over the bottom line. Yes, the government needs to scrap Jobs Ready Graduates and replace it. But vice-chancellors must own $734m on consultants in a single year and the executive pay explosion! www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
In the last two years, ANU leadership has taken an approach of moving fast and breaking things.
Unfortunately, too many of those things were people.
Very proud of @nteunion.bsky.social members at #ANU. Now to lock in no forced redundancies. ✊
Unfortunately, too many of those things were people.
Very proud of @nteunion.bsky.social members at #ANU. Now to lock in no forced redundancies. ✊
More details, including @nteunion.bsky.social statement, to follow.
Join the union today at www.nteu.au/join.
Join the union today at www.nteu.au/join.
September 11, 2025 at 1:25 AM
In the last two years, ANU leadership has taken an approach of moving fast and breaking things.
Unfortunately, too many of those things were people.
Very proud of @nteunion.bsky.social members at #ANU. Now to lock in no forced redundancies. ✊
Unfortunately, too many of those things were people.
Very proud of @nteunion.bsky.social members at #ANU. Now to lock in no forced redundancies. ✊
With @NTEUnion members at Victorian Parliament to speak with government MPs about the university governance crisis and the need for reform. Thanks to everyone who shared their horror stories with the MPs including Deputy Premier and Education Minister @BenCarrollMP.
September 10, 2025 at 4:57 AM
With @NTEUnion members at Victorian Parliament to speak with government MPs about the university governance crisis and the need for reform. Thanks to everyone who shared their horror stories with the MPs including Deputy Premier and Education Minister @BenCarrollMP.
Reposted by Alison Barnes
Vice chancellors' decision to cut jobs while defending their excessive pay further erodes our public institutions and undermines trust in university governance.
Let's stand together for better universities 👉 betterunis.nteu.au
📰Read in full here: www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
Let's stand together for better universities 👉 betterunis.nteu.au
📰Read in full here: www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
September 8, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Vice chancellors' decision to cut jobs while defending their excessive pay further erodes our public institutions and undermines trust in university governance.
Let's stand together for better universities 👉 betterunis.nteu.au
📰Read in full here: www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
Let's stand together for better universities 👉 betterunis.nteu.au
📰Read in full here: www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
“Replacing the ANU vice chancellor is a necessary first step… But it is not a sufficient step…
If governance and policy direction doesn’t change, it won’t matter who sits in the vice chancellor’s chair – the outcomes for staff, students and the public will be the same.”
www.afr.com/work-and-car...
If governance and policy direction doesn’t change, it won’t matter who sits in the vice chancellor’s chair – the outcomes for staff, students and the public will be the same.”
www.afr.com/work-and-car...
Why ANU boss Genevieve Bell must go
Replacing the Australian National University vice chancellor is a necessary first step to rebuilding the reputation of the ANU and restoring its legitimacy.
www.afr.com
September 8, 2025 at 7:52 AM
“Replacing the ANU vice chancellor is a necessary first step… But it is not a sufficient step…
If governance and policy direction doesn’t change, it won’t matter who sits in the vice chancellor’s chair – the outcomes for staff, students and the public will be the same.”
www.afr.com/work-and-car...
If governance and policy direction doesn’t change, it won’t matter who sits in the vice chancellor’s chair – the outcomes for staff, students and the public will be the same.”
www.afr.com/work-and-car...
At today’s Senate inquiry hearing, VCs spent more time complaining about “compliance costs” than showing contrition for the governance crisis. They want to sack hundreds of staff, hiding behind false narratives instead of owning their disastrous workforce planning. www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
www.news.com.au
September 8, 2025 at 6:17 AM
At today’s Senate inquiry hearing, VCs spent more time complaining about “compliance costs” than showing contrition for the governance crisis. They want to sack hundreds of staff, hiding behind false narratives instead of owning their disastrous workforce planning. www.news.com.au/national/nsw...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
🎙️LIVE NOW🎙️
Hear from VCs in Sydney at the Senate Inquiry into university governance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfKv...
Hear from VCs in Sydney at the Senate Inquiry into university governance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfKv...
September 8, 2025 at 1:06 AM
🎙️LIVE NOW🎙️
Hear from VCs in Sydney at the Senate Inquiry into university governance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfKv...
Hear from VCs in Sydney at the Senate Inquiry into university governance: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfKv...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
Australian universities are a shit show and university managements who listen to corporate consultancy grifters are to blame. My latest in the @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
To Australia’s university fat cats, who may yet face job cuts not of their own making – don’t forget to wash your underwear …
It’s been decades since parasitic consultancies began advising our tertiary institutions, at exorbitant cost
www.theguardian.com
September 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Australian universities are a shit show and university managements who listen to corporate consultancy grifters are to blame. My latest in the @theguardian.com.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
“If the most prestigious university in Australia will not fund our most prestigious literary journal, then it makes you question whether or not universities actually care about Australian culture.”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
Australian writers shocked and ‘disgusted’ by closure of 85-year-old literary journal Meanjin
After 85 years of continuous publication, Meanjin, Australia’s second-oldest literary journal, is closing.
johnmenadue.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:53 PM
“If the most prestigious university in Australia will not fund our most prestigious literary journal, then it makes you question whether or not universities actually care about Australian culture.”
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
johnmenadue.com/post/2025/09...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
Meanwhile, keep up the pressure for change by signing our petition.
www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/pe...
www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/pe...
Petition to ANU Council
In support of our petition, we observe that:
• ANU Council has the entire control and management of the University and is required to act in all matters concerning the ANU in the way it thinks w...
www.megaphone.org.au
September 5, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Meanwhile, keep up the pressure for change by signing our petition.
www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/pe...
www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/pe...
Reposted by Alison Barnes
We'll be ready to work with interim leadership from Day 1 to end Renew ANU and stop *all* forced redundancies.
This is only possible with new leadership.
@nteunion.bsky.social - and everyone else - knows that the farce at #ANU has gone on for far too long.
This is only possible with new leadership.
@nteunion.bsky.social - and everyone else - knows that the farce at #ANU has gone on for far too long.
Exclusive: Inside the Australian National University’s leadership crisis
Amid mounting scandals and a loss of confidence in her management, the Australian National University vice-chancellor is negotiating an exit from her role.
www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au
September 5, 2025 at 10:45 PM
We'll be ready to work with interim leadership from Day 1 to end Renew ANU and stop *all* forced redundancies.
This is only possible with new leadership.
@nteunion.bsky.social - and everyone else - knows that the farce at #ANU has gone on for far too long.
This is only possible with new leadership.
@nteunion.bsky.social - and everyone else - knows that the farce at #ANU has gone on for far too long.