Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell says she does not see staff as inefficiencies, after being pressed about controversial comments from Julie Bishop on planned job cuts at the institution.
Appearing at her third Senate estimates, Professor Bell was asked about "alarming" comments from the ANU chancellor Ms Bishop, who told The Canberra Times "staff have been part of the inefficiencies" at the financially troubled university.
"I never view my staff as inefficiencies, but I do know as part of the change process and as part of the feedback we have from our community that many people in the university regard pieces of the university as [containing] room for improvement," Professor Bell said, in response to questions from ACT senator David Pocock.
The university is expecting to find savings of $250 million by the beginning of 2026, with Professor Bell confirming the university was proposing to cut 138 roles this year.
Analysis shows the university could need to cut up to 600 jobs to achieve the savings target.
This is likely to include a "dean, a deputy dean, and a series of senior leaders across the organisation".
But the 138 roles are not likely to be the only cuts, Professor Bell confirmed.
"Next year we will be needing to look at what we've accomplished this year and look at the consultation plans that are with our community, because 138 is what we're consulting on, it may not be the end state.
"We need to make sure that we are continuing to address excess leave liability, and all of those are moving pieces."
She would not commit to a target for job cuts in 2025.
"Until we can get through the change proposals that we have in consultation, until we can see whether we can move the leave balances, and until we see whether some of the other actions we are sharing with our community are successful, I don't think we can put a target state on what next year will look like."
