High-Quality Staff Leaving the Education Sector: A Concern for Australian Universities

With the gradual loss of revenue due to a reduction in the number of international students, many Australian Universities have resorted to cost-cutting measures including reduction of staff. This is happening across all departments -- from administration to academic staff.

Authorities generate most of their earnings from fees deposited by international students. But now, they report that the full recovery from high revenue losses due to the pandemic could take several months. This is the main reason for taking this extreme measure.

Two key concerns have been identified. Firstly, the universities are losing capable educators because of the voluntary separation scheme that was launched last year. Until now, at least 300 staff members have left the education sector. The second concern is raised by the staff that they are required to stretch their working hours in order to meet the increasing demand and workload.