{
  "id": 13878121,
  "title": "Curtin University warns proposed merger 'solves problems we don't have'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/curtin-university-warns-proposed-merger-solves-problems-we-dont-have",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T04:51:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-12/curtin-vice-chancellor-critical-of-proposed-wa-uni-merger/107255132"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Curtin University's vice-chancellor, Harlene Hayne, has criticized the proposed merger of WA's three public universities, arguing that it aims to \"fix something that is not broken\" and will be a costly process. Tertiary Education Minister Tony Buti, however, contends that the merger is necessary to ensure the sector is world-class and keep universities competitive. The business case for the merger is expected to be finalized next year.\n\nThe WA government's decision to push ahead with the merger has sparked controversy, with both supporters and opponents expressing concerns. Buti argues that WA's universities are in a \"race to the bottom\" and that many students are receiving a \"substandard education.\" In contrast, Hayne counters that 90% of graduates secure employment within six months and that the universities are already performing at a high level.\n\nSupporters of the merger, such as Mark Barnaba, argue that the state's university sector is underperforming and that the amalgamation would benefit all WA taxpayers. However, a recent survey by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) found that more than two-thirds of public university staff oppose the merger, with 66% and 68% of UWA and Murdoch University staff, respectively, opposing the proposal. NTEU WA division secretary Scott Fitzgerald emphasized that public universities should serve students, staff, and the wider community, rather than prioritizing profit.",
  "summary": "The vice-chancellor of Curtin describes a proposed merger of three Western Australian universities as a \"solution looking for a problem\" that aims to \"fix something that is not broken\".",
  "key_points": [
    "Curtin University's vice-chancellor criticizes proposed merger as fixing non-existent problems",
    "WA government pushes ahead with merger despite controversy and opposition",
    "90% of graduates secure employment within six months, universities already high-performing"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}