Unanimous resolution at public forum
This public meeting condemns RMIT for breaching its own processes for staff probation, and for the lack of natural justice afforded to Robert Austin in the handling of his probation issue. This sacking makes a mockery of RMIT’s proclaimed values of “ethical behaviour and responsibility”, “cultural diversity” and “fairness to all”. It is yet another example of the dangerous shift to the right in Australia.We further condemn RMIT for conceding to pressure from a conservative media that parrots the line of a government bent on curtailing academic freedom by threatening the loss of public funding to public universities. Columnists such as Andrew Bolt must not be allowed to dictate the political perspectives of academics. Universities must not be allowed to suppress such perspectives, or deter pro-student union activity by staff members. The curtailing of academic freedom sits alongside such ideological attacks as the proposed industrial relations and anti student union legislation, and 'terror laws'.
We call on RMIT Vice Chancellor Margaret Gardner to rescind the sacking of Austin forthwith, and provide a public statement reconfirming RMIT's commitment to academic freedom, proper process and the principles of natural justice.
This meeting also declares our support for future activities on this issue if the matter remains unresolved, such as:
- RMIT NTEU members holding a branch meeting in December to discuss the implications of this case for all staff;
- Students and staff sending a delegation to the VC to argue Austin's reinstatement;
- a demonstration to be held outside RMIT's Building 1 on Bowen Lane;
- an open letter to be sent to RMIT’s Globalism Institute proposing that it condemn RMIT's actions.
Moved: Natalie Zirngast, RMIT Womyn's Information and Research Officer
Carried unanimously, 30 November 2005 (around 45 present). See video of forum here.
posted by Defend Our Universities committee @ 11:06 pm
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