GED KEARNEY MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING
MEMBER FOR COOPER

At a time when Universities are seeing significant job losses, grassroots advocacy has saved a significant academic role at La Trobe University’s Albury-Wodonga campus.

Local students can continue to learn from Assoc Prof Jennifer Jones’ significant expertise in Aboriginal and women’s history, after La Trobe University’s sole academic teaching position in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Albury-Wodonga campus has been saved.

Universities have been doing it tough since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia’s shores, with many shedding jobs and restructuring given a precarious economy and the loss of international students.

These challenges are a direct result of the Morrison Government’s refusal to put proper supports in place for Australian universities, or allow University employees to have access to JobKeeper.

Unfortunately, we are seeing more news of job cuts across La Trobe campuses, with up to 200 FTE staff expected to no longer have a job.

Last month, Ged Kearney, Member for Cooper worked with the Latrobe University community to advocate for better outcomes for staff and students.

“Sadly, humanities disciplines often face the fiercest cuts. We have seen this around the world and it is a trend that pre-dates COVID-19,” said Ms Kearney.

“I’m proud to stand with the La Trobe University community and advocate for staff and students.”

“I’d like to acknowledge La Trobe University for recognising the importance of this position at the Aubury-Wodonga campus.”

“This is a time where our history matters. We are seeing history being written in front of our eyes. Particularly for Australia’s women and First Nations communities. Students deserve to be given the tools to understand, analyse and shape Australia’s history and future.”