Leaked payments shed light on high-cost consultancy amid job cuts
Western Sydney University (WSU) is navigating a sharp financial squeeze as it prepares to cut hundreds of jobs. Internal documents obtained by the ABC reveal that the university has been paying senior consultants as much as $2,850 per day, with individual invoices for five weeks of work exceeding $85,000 and additional charges for tolls and parking. The disclosures come as WSU contemplates up to 400 voluntary redundancies, affecting more than 10% of its 3,500-strong workforce.
What the documents show
The leaked materials indicate at least seven senior consultants from various firms have been engaged to support the university’s restructuring efforts. Daily rates ranged from about $1,325 to $2,850, and in one instance, a single consultant billed the university for five weeks of work at almost $85,000, plus $355 in travel-related costs. The disparity between these rates and typical staff wages has sparked questions about governance and transparency in how budget decisions are made during a period of financial strain.
University’s rationale and responses
WSU has defended the use of consultants, saying they are needed to manage the change process while staff face burnout and to provide expertise not readily available in-house. A spokesperson said the engagement was led by the university’s own people and restricted to areas such as cybersecurity, regulatory work, and surge support during the restructuring. Critics, including the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), note that such high day rates are controversial, especially in a climate of redundancies.
Impact on staff and governance concerns
Dr. Burchell, a staff representative, warned that consulting costs fuel anger and fear among employees who fear their roles are being eliminated. He questioned whether the consultants are officers of the university or contractors who operate outside the staff payroll, highlighting concerns about accountability and disclosure of how and why major staffing decisions are being made.
Wider sector context
WSU is not alone in facing funding pressures. Across Australia, universities are announcing job losses and restructuring, prompting debate about governance and the role of external advisers. A Senate inquiry interim report flagged governance concerns, and the NTEU has a history of scrutinising the sector’s use of consultants. A 2023 NTEU report estimated universities spent about $734 million on consulting services annually, a figure the union says warrants greater transparency and restraint when student and staff interests are at stake.
Industry responses
Universities Australia defends consultancy use as a prudent measure to obtain specialised guidance during complex changes, arguing it helps maintain sustainability and keep core missions intact. Critics, however, say the model can obscure decision-making and shift accountability away from public institutions. The debate intensified as governments consider reforms to funding and policy frameworks affecting higher education.
What this means for students and staff
For students, the looming redundancies threaten course offerings, services, and overall university experience. For staff, the financial press is palpable: restructuring plans promise change, but the lack of clear guidance for workers seeking new roles within the university has been described as terrifying by some faculty leaders. The challenge for WSU and similar institutions will be balancing the need for expert external input with transparent processes that protect both staff livelihoods and the quality of education.
Looking ahead
As WSU proceeds with its change process, observers will be watching not only how many positions are cut, but how the university manages communication, governance, and accountability around spending on external advisers. The outcome may influence broader sector discussions about funding, transparency, and the role of consultants in sustaining Australian higher education.
