Commenting on the story: University of Adelaide, UniSA agree to merger

Announcing to staff outside of normal business hours followed by a staged media announcement is extremely poor engagement, disrespectful and can only be described as an announce and defend approach and makes me question how genuine is the engagement with staff.

Apologising for doing the wrong thing does not excuse the wrong act. We expect better ethical behaviour from leadership. – Grace Fitzpatrick

Commenting on the story: ‘Delay is denial’: Premier, universities warn Upper House over inquiry into merger deal

How is it that two Vice-Chancellors and their universities are writing the blueprint for the future of the status, student numbers, economics, research and employment of tertiary education in this state?

Surely we are justified in seeking clarification of the proposed economic and academic benefits in establishing a megalithic, amorphous institution subsidised by $450 million of our money?

There is little evidence in the world of universities that bigger is better. We need to know more about the Premier’s egotistical foray into this world. – Warren Jones

The idea of consolidating South Australia’s universities has been discussed for decades but has not progressed, for whatever reasons. Now we have a government that is almost demanding it happen yet will not release the business case that supports such an initiative (but excludes Flinders).

This is yet another example of the state government being secretive and not explaining why investing public money (not the Premier’s money) is appropriate. Government transparency has hit an all time low and it is unacceptable. – Keith Gillard