Curtin opposes proposed merger of three Western Australian universities

Western Australia's government announced on October 11 that it will prepare a business case for merging three universities. Curtin University said it would actively oppose the plan.

The proposal involves Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia. A final merger decision has yet to be made. The business case will examine costs, transition arrangements and whether the universities could fund the reforms themselves.

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet will oversee the work with advice from a steering committee chaired by businessman Mark Barnaba. Medical researcher Fiona Wood will serve as deputy chair. The government hopes to improve education offerings and the sector's ability to attract research funding.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Harlene Hayne warned that a forced merger would reduce student choice and threaten jobs. She said the combined institution would have almost 120,000 students, arguing that its size would complicate management and divert resources from teaching and student support.

Curtin has more than 67,000 students and around 10,000 staff. The proposal follows a review of the university sector and analysis of possible merger options. The government says reform could strengthen the state's economy, but it now intends to examine costs and funding arrangements in greater detail.