Western Sydney University Vice Chancellor George Williams recently disclosed that he had requested a pay cut when he assumed his position. He believed that vice chancellors’ salaries, which often exceed $1 million at many Australian universities, should be more aligned with public servant wages. Despite taking a reduced salary, Williams acknowledged that he is still well compensated. Western Australia’s university annual reports showed that none of the universities’ budgets were in the red for the first time since the pandemic, with ECU, UWA, and Murdoch University all recording gains. Curtin University saw a turnaround in its financial performance from a loss in 2023 to a profit in 2024.
UWA Vice Chancellor Amit Chakma highlighted the challenge faced by the university due to proposed caps on international student enrolment, while ECU Vice Chancellor David Pollock noted that 2024 was a year of significant policy reforms. Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks mentioned that both domestic and international student recruitment numbers were impacted by external factors beyond their control, resulting in a decrease in international student intake in the second half of the year. The federal government’s policies and discussions regarding visa caps have further complicated the situation.
Deeks expressed concerns that the ongoing economic challenges in WA could continue to delay the recovery of domestic student intake and limit international student intake. He noted that the proposed caps on international students could potentially reduce the 2025 intake to levels similar to 2024, resulting in a decrease of around 1700 international student commencements. Curtin University Vice Chancellor Harlene Hayne stressed the importance of judiciously recruiting international students, emphasizing that their primary purpose is to provide Australian students with the opportunity to study alongside peers from around the world.
Overall, the university sector in Western Australia has shown signs of financial recovery, with all institutions reporting positive financial gains in their annual reports. Despite the challenges posed by external factors such as government policies and global economic conditions, the universities are striving to adapt and navigate through the uncertainties in the higher education landscape. Vice Chancellors are actively engaging in discussions around salary alignment and financial sustainability, aiming to ensure that the institutions remain resilient and responsive to the evolving educational environment.
