Western Sydney University statement on budget position
The following statement can be attributed to Western Sydney University's Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
At Western Sydney University, we are determined to make changes in a fair way that is true to our mission of student success, impactful research and stronger Western Sydney communities.
The actions we are embarking on to reset the University to be better positioned to take advantage of the growth in Western Sydney are about doing the right thing, even when it is hard.
I am confident we have a bright future, and that we can do more than succeed, we can thrive in the years to come.
Unfortunately, the University is facing fresh budget impacts for 2026 and beyond due to a further, large deterioration in our student load.
We are expecting a $79 million deficit in 2026, up from earlier forecasts of a $6.5 million deficit. The international student caps are hitting our University hard, as is increased competition for students in Western Sydney.
Student behaviour is also changing with many choosing to undertake fewer courses, no doubt due in many cases to cost-of-living pressures.
Our worsening budget position means that Western will have insufficient revenue to cover our 2026 salary and other costs. I have reduced my Senior Executive Leadership Team by 25 per cent, cutting the number from 8 to 6 positions.
My salary and the pay of our senior leaders has been frozen, and we have placed strict limits on hiring, reduced travel and catering, and restricted the use of external consultants.
We also have no choice but to reduce our workforce by 300-400 positions.
Our priority is to preserve as many jobs as we can. I know this is about people and the real impact on people’s lives, and I feel a heavy responsibility in taking these actions. We are doing everything possible to find other non-salary savings, and are also looking first to disestablish 120 vacant positions.
These changes are designed to meet our immediate budget challenges, and to better position the University to realise our ambitious strategy. We will continue to strengthen the University’s foundations. To take control of our future, we must also build resilience to shocks and external forces.
If we are to be the University that Western Sydney needs, we must ensure that we are fit for purpose.
The changes I have outlined will ensure we can stabilise next year and we can reset our operations to capture the enormous growth and opportunity on offer as our region transforms.
ENDS
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
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