Students and staff protest over cuts

STUDENTS, staff and members of the Queensland division of the National Tertiary Education Union staged a protest yesterday outside James Cook University’s campus over potential staff and course cuts.

Third- year Bachelor of Creative Arts and Media student Jason Hill said his degree was likely on the chopping block.

“The turnout was quite good, we had a combination of students, staff and the union, and Cathy O’Toole came along as well which was great that she showed her support,” he said.

“At the start of the morning it was pretty busy with everyone arriving at uni, plenty of people drove past and honked to show their support which was good.”

Mr Hill said around 25 people joined in the hour- long protest, calling for JCU to consult students and staff on future cuts and changes.

“It’s upsetting for us as students, I’ve already competed my first and second year but the first- years will be affected, there will be no one left to teach them potentially,” he said.

“It’s sad to hear that the lecturers’ jobs are at risk, especially in Townsville where the job market is hard enough already. At the end of the day, we’re paying customers.

“Hopefully the university does see that we’re not happy with our voices not being heard from the beginning.”

Mr Hill said his cohort would hate to see courses discontinued and lecturers out of work.

“Creative industries is only growing, especially with everything going digital there’s a demand in the field and it’s constantly evolving,” he said.

The protest was organised by the National Tertiary Education Union.

Queensland division secretary Michael McNally said the protest was communitydriven.