Leaked figures spotlight a broader trend in university spending
As Western Sydney University (WSU) moves toward hundreds of redundancies, new documents obtained by the ABC expose a pattern that has become increasingly common in higher education: heavy reliance on external consultants. Internal records show several senior consultants clocking daily rates up to 2,850, with one five-week invoice alone nearing $85,000 plus tolls. The disclosures raise fresh questions about cost, governance and the pressure felt by staff during restructuring.
What the numbers reveal
The leaked documents list at least seven senior consultants from various firms earning between roughly $1,325 and $2,850 per day. In one instance, a single consultant billed just over five weeks of work at almost $3,000 daily, plus an additional $355 in tolls and parking. While universities routinely use external experts for specialized tasks, the scale of this engagement — and the accompanying costs — has sparked scrutiny amid mass job losses announced by WSU.
Context: hundreds of jobs at risk
WSU plans to implement about 400 voluntary redundancies — more than 10% of its 3,500-strong workforce. Union representatives and staff have described the process as tense and uncertain, with fear and anger among those affected. The university argues that consultants are supporting a burnout-prone, stretched workforce during a transformational change process.
University response and the debate over consultants
WSU defended the use of external help as targeted and essential for areas such as cybersecurity, regulatory affairs and surge periods during the change process. The administration emphasised that the project is led by university staff, and that consultants are engaged to relieve burnout and provide specialized expertise where needed. Still, critics argue that hiring high-priced consultants during a period of potential redundancies undermines trust and transparency.
Union concerns and questions of accountability
Dr Burchell of the NTEU pointed out that one consultant has reportedly held an executive-level role for more than a week’s worth of pay, even though they are not a university employee. The union has urged greater disclosure about how decisions are made and how external advice is integrated into governance and staffing strategies.
Broader sector implications
The issue at WSU is part of a wider pattern in Australian higher education. A Senate inquiry and industry reports have flagged governance risks and the rising cost of consultancy across universities. The NTEU has estimated sector-wide consultancy spending reached hundreds of millions annually, prompting calls for clearer disclosure around redundancies and course reductions.
What this means for students
Students in Western Sydney worry about the potential impact on teaching quality, course offerings and support services as the university restructures. Bailey Anderson, a student representative, underscored concerns that cuts and organizational changes could affect the value of a degree and the experience of learning. In times of financial pressure, students fear that reduced resources could follow in the wake of staff reductions.
Looking ahead
Industry leaders emphasize that while consultancies can provide crucial expertise during complex restructures, universities must balance immediate needs with long-term accountability and transparency. As WSU navigates this change process, stakeholders will be watching how governance, staff transitions and student outcomes are managed in the months ahead.
