The Greens’ remain steadfast in support of the policy position on the University of Tasmania that was taken to the recent state election and is meeting with stakeholders over the Rockliff Government’s legislation restricting the sale of UTAS land.
While we welcome Labor stating a definitive position on the issue, it will disappoint and further disaffect a community that has been consistently raising opposition to the development and sell-off of the Sandy Bay campus. On the back of pokies, donation reform and stadium policy weakness, Labor’s recent announcement will underwhelm many.
The issues confronting UTAS extend far beyond the stalled move to the city and The Greens believe that Tasmania’s only university must be nation-leading in its academic outcomes, educational experience for students and accountability to the state.
The Sandy Bay campus, transferred to the university in 1944 by the Tasmanian Parliament, should be maintained for educational purposes.
The 2022 poll of Hobart City Council electors in was emphatic, with nearly 75% of voters opposed to the wholesale move to the city. This must be respected.
Tasmanians need a University with certainty and focus, not a property developer gambling with public land and borrowed money.
Independent analysis of the 2023 UTAS Annual Report has raised numerous concerns about financial stability, borrowings and direction of the University and The Greens are receiving regular, unsolicited contact from staff and students worried about the academic rigour and student experience being offered.
The Greens strongly support UTAS as an academic institution and acknowledges the good work it does, despite many internal and external challenges. It has recently been recognised globally for climate action and other measures and has many talented, committed and professional staff delivering tertiary courses to students.
Our position statement can be found here.
