Defend our universities!

Springtime for Sycophants

2007-04-01T16:40:00.003+10:00

Undeterred by the facts, Murdoch's academic propaganda arm has refused to publish a letter which corrects serious errors in an article late last year, and hints at its own complicity in the RMIT dismissal. See attached comments, and http://users.tpg.com.au.

Fighting Fund: with thanks

2006-11-30T10:00:00.000+11:00

Update: Dr Austin's dismissal has been settled under Unfair Dismissal legislation in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission after RMIT management, despite claims that it awaited resolution there, blocked a hearing under the EBA (see Unfair Dismissal: settlement, below). The DOU Fighting Fund which helped defray the legal costs for the case has now been closed. A Solidarity Fiesta/Fundraiser in April raised around $800: see http://www.unionsolidarity.org/ and Solidarity Fiesta.pdf

Unfair Dismissal: settlement

2006-11-04T12:00:00.000+11:00

The dispute over the Murdoch press-driven political dismissal of Dr Austin from RMIT this year has been settled under the Unfair Dismissal legislation of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The terms are confidential. Background information and space for comments will remain here; a video-documentary is planned for release this month.

The limited but concrete gains in this dispute graphically demonstrate that decent-minded and committed supporters of public higher education, working together, can influence the political struggle to reclaim our universities as open democratic spaces, where full student participation and intellectual diversity overcome the ignorance, fear and conformism promoted by the mainstream press, multinational capital and neocon managements.

See also updated chronology at Chronology II FIN 03 06.pdf and http://www.unionsolidarity.org

Chronology of dismissal

2006-11-01T11:00:00.001+11:00

An updated summary of events surrounding Dr Austin's dismissal is available at Chronology II FIN 03 06.pdf

Letters of protest

2006-05-20T10:00:00.000+10:00

Please edit, sign and send your letter of protest by selecting the following link: http://www.unionsolidarity.org/RobertA_form.htm. And thank you! We have received over 200 messages.

Please also take the time to post your public message of support on this website, under comments (below).

Tariq Ali supports campaign

2006-05-01T09:15:00.000+10:00

Tariq Ali is a popular historian, political campaigner & co-editor of New Left Review. He recently confirmed support for the campaign to Defend our Universities and stop the sacking of Dr Robert Austin: see letter from Professor Richard Harris (below).

¡A Cazar Brujas!

2006-04-30T19:42:00.001+10:00

Un nuevo artículo por dos escritoras latinoamericanas compara ésta lucha en medio de una universidad "progresista" con otras en el contexto de sus países natalicios. Y se encuentra el eco de prácticas dictatoriales.

Preston Reservoir Progress Association

2006-04-21T23:30:00.000+10:00

Our Association is made up of residents from the City of Darebin. At our last meeting the issue of the sacking of Robert Austin was raised. There was deep concern expressed at the way in which this academic was treated, and it sees indicative of the unprincipled attacks that are taking place around this country on decent citizens who are attending to their responsibilities in the most proper way as they see it.

There was a time when we considered places of education as standard bearers in our country, where debate and difference welcomed and enjoyed. Universities and other places of academic learning produced some of the finest minds in our country. No more, what we are now seeing is almost cloning, where different opinions are no longer welcomed, but simply a nuisance to be silenced.

We felt most strongly about this and there urgently request that Dr. Austin be re instated and that he also be provided with documented evidence of whatever misdemeanor with which he is being accused.

Yours sincerely

Marion Harper, Hon.Secretary. Preston Reservoir Progress Association.
34 Gisborne Crescent, Reservoir 3073 [April 2006]

Great Debate II

2006-03-12T18:00:00.000+11:00

Professor Richard Harris (California State University) wrote a critique of the Austin dismisal, published below. In view of the misinformation disseminated by management, we now publish the debate between Professor Harris, Professor Manfred Steger (ex-Head, RMIT School of International & Community Studies) and Dr Robert Austin which ensued. See: http://members.westnet.com.au/j.henriquez2/msg2vc/gb2.pdf.

Neocon Ideologues & University Politics

2006-03-11T11:00:00.002+11:00

This article originally appeared in the Freedom Socialist Bulletin, Nº 34 (2006). It was first published on Indymedia then updated shortly after, in April 2006; see http://users.tpg.com.au/f4ithles/html/FSBarticle1205editIVIndyM.pdf

RMIT NTEU branch meeting

2006-03-10T19:00:00.000+11:00

The DOU committee thanks the 120 branch members who petitioned for a meeting on Dr Austin's dismissal, which took place on 9 March at the City Campus. Branch executive abandoned normal practice of a parallel meeting at the Bundoora campus. A school delegate had requested that there be consecutive meetings on both campuses so that key members could address both. The net result was no quorum (c. 40 members present) and no vote on the resolutions below:

1. This meeting of RMIT NTEU members condemns RMIT management for its failure to follow probation procedures and proper process, leading to the dismissal of Dr Robert Austin. Further, we condemn the lack of natural justice afforded to him. We call on the Vice Chancellor to reverse the dismissal and nullify the probation report on the basis of breach of procedure.

2. Further, we denounce management’s practice of publishing and disseminating insidious and unsubstantiated claims about the member or any member, thereby impugning his or her professional reputation.

3. This meeting endorses a work ban on the backfilling of Dr Austin’s Spanish program coordinator duties, and on all other duties included in Dr Austin’s job description and/or agreed during 2005.

4. We direct the Branch Committee to organise a public demonstration on the steps of the State Library at 12:30 PM on Wednesday 22 March, in the week before the AIRC hearing.

Fundraiser - Fiesta Solidaria

2006-03-10T11:00:00.000+11:00

A Solidarity Fiesta/Fundraiser will be held at the Comrades Bar, 520 Swanston St, Melbourne on Saturday 15 April, from 7 pm -midnight. Salvadorean dance group XochitlQuetzal will perform; empanadas will be available. All proceeds go to the DOU fighting fund. Thanks to the ETU and Union Solidarity for their support. For more details, click on the header above, plus http://www.unionsolidarity.org/downloads/2006/04/robert-austin-solidarity-fiesta.htm and http://www.unionsolidarity.org/downloads/SolidarityFiesta.pdf

VSU

2006-02-28T09:54:00.000+11:00

While VSU has not come in yet, student unions have been shedding staff since late last year in waves of redundancies.

In some instances, this pre-VSU phase has been used as a mechanism by the universities to influence the shape of student organisations to come by refusing to agree on funding arrangements next semester until student unions 'reform' their organisational (including staffing) structures. If this is not losing student voice and autonomy, I don't know what is.

Vannessa (RMIT Student Union)

See also Adam Morton's article at http://www.theage.com.au/

Student rep challenges VC

2006-02-22T21:00:00.001+11:00

A 2005 Staff-Student Consultative Committee student representative has analysed Dr Austin's wide-ranging enhancements of the Hispanic Studies program in less than one year. He challenges the VC to reverse this dismissal and instead find a just resolution to the dispute. See:http://members.westnet.com.au/j.henriquez2/msg2vc/j_tarbox.pdf

VC ignores student concerns

2006-02-20T08:30:00.000+11:00

Dear Ms Gardner,

I refer to my previous e-mail sent to you at the end of the 2005 academic year. I note that I received a one-line e-mail in response from you which failed to address any of my concerns.

In my original e-mail to you I expressed my shock in learning of the potential sacking of Robert Austin. Such news was certainly disappointing but did not compare to my disgust in learning the purported grounds on which such action is being executed. As a mature age student I believe that it is imperative that young students be informed about events that impact on their learning experience and that they are provided with every opportunity to participate in activities that serve as a platform for voicing their views - after all, aren't universities meant to encourage free-thinking?

Upon my return this year, I was less surprised to learn that the university had strategically waited until students had left for the year (2005) to make the sacking of Mr. Austin official (despite tremendous student protest on Mr. Austin's behalf). I can't help but to reflect on the hypocrisy of values such as those listed in the RMIT Code of Ethics which state "We respect diversity within humanity including gender, spiritual values, sexual preference, age, disability and culture and provide services to support this." It would appear that conformity and conventionality are in-fact the preferred qualities for both staff and students at RMIT. The action taken against Mr. Austin is certainly consistent with the current political climate and as a Brazilian-born Australian I am unnerved by elements similar to those experienced under Brazilian military dictatorship creeping into institutions such as universities.

Robert Austin is infinitely knowledgeable in his chosen field and is extremely well liked by students. His unjust dismissal serves to highlight the insidious political nature of the university administration and if upheld will be a very significant loss to the International Studies program. I have enrolled in Latin American studies for this semester due to the fact that Mr. Austin is conducting the classes; were this to change I will most certainly choose an alternative course along with many fellow students. It is my intention to approach contacts in both written and electronic media to ensure that Mr. Austin's situation does not pass unnoticed.

Kind Regards, Vivian Green
RMIT Student, BA (International Studies)

Carta de protesta

2006-02-20T08:00:00.000+11:00

Le invitamos a revisar y enviar la carta proforma de protesta a la rectora, agregándole sus cambios preferidos o enviándola sin cambios. Ver http://www.unionsolidarity.org/phpmail/RobertA_Spanish_form.htm

CEPU delegate dismissal

2006-01-25T10:00:00.000+11:00

The DOU committee urges your solidarity and support for dismissed Communications, Electrical and Postal Union delegate Peter Vining. Details and background articles at: http://www.unionsolidarity.org/

Political victimisation of Australian academic

2006-01-10T16:22:00.000+11:00

The sacking is an attack on academic freedom and sets a dangerous precedent for the victimisation of other university staff. See: http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/jan2006/aust-j13.shtml

Dismissal of Prominent Academic

2006-01-09T09:26:00.000+11:00

Vice Chancellor Margaret Gardner

I am writing to you regarding the impending dismissal of Dr. Robert Austin, Lecturer in Spanish & International Studies at your university. It appears this dismissal is part of a growing climate within Australian universities which is threatening the very concept of academic freedom and quality education and destined to seriously reduce the independence of university teaching and research at RMIT University unless you and other members of the university administration reverse the actions that you have taken to date. I find the facts surrounding this case to be particularly alarming, especially since "RMIT University began as the Working Men's College in La Trobe Street, Melbourne in 188t [and] the university has grown to become one of the largest in the country and has built a worldwide reputation for excellence in vocational and technical education and research., with over 57,000 students studying at the RMIT campuses in Melbourne and regional Victoria, Vietnam, online, by distance education, and at partner institutions throughout the world."

From the information that has come to my attention, it appears that an informal alliance appears to have formed between the right-wing Sun Herald polemicist Andrew Bolt and the new head of International and Community Studies at RMIT. It seems that "both are of the view that industrial action in support of students in their opposition to (the misnamed) Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) is not a legitimate academic activity," and they have castigated Dr Austin’s re-scheduling of his classes to allow students to attend the National Day of Action against VSU on 10 August, even when this action had the almost-unanimous support of students, National Tertiary Education Union backing, and the knowledge of immediate management at the university. As I understand the circumstances, Dr. Austin re-scheduled the class, it was not canceled, and none of his students were forced to go to the rally. I also understand that many other lecturers encouraged students to attend the rally to protest the government's stance.

The media reports that I have read indicate that "the Head of School (HOS) and the relevant Pro Vice-Chancellor have used their positions to intimidate sessional teaching staff." One account indicates that on 30 September, 2005, two university managers saw fit to accost Robert Austin and a woman union representative who were having coffee with sessional staff in a public cafe, off campus. This report indicates that the following week, "the HOS compelled all Spanish sessional staff to attend a meeting on Dr Austin’s ‘collegiality’ by issuing a ‘lawful directive’. The report alleges that "the probation meetings organized by the HOS were little more than an opportunity to launch a tirade of insults and provocations, and during the first to harass the woman union delegate" who was involved.

I know Dr. Austin and he is a senior scholar of international repute with considerable academic experience in Latin America, where he has had full professorial status. He has published seven books, many articles and given a large number of professional presentations at international academic conference. I have been informed by a reputable source that his probation report of 28 September, 2005 acknowledges his ‘excellent’ research performance and ‘commendable’ teaching, and that his efforts at RMIT have contributed to a ‘considerably more attractive’ Spanish program. I have also been informed that enrollments have increased by over 20 per cent since his arrival at RMIT. To his credit, it also seems that Dr Austin has established staff-student exchange programs with prestigious Latin American and Spanish universities, and he has just won five federally-funded student scholarships to Chile for 2006. Moreover, he has accepted an offer to become an Honorary Fellow of the University of Melbourne. Finally, it is reported that he has improved the Spanish program beyond previous expectations since his arrival, including extending the amount of hours a week at students request, and that he has set up partnerships with universities in Chile, Venezuela and Argentina.

The dismissal of Dr. Austin appears to make a mockery of RMIT’s proclaimed values of ‘ethical behavior and responsibility’, ‘cultural diversity’ and ‘fairness to all’, and it appears to be yet another example of the dangerous shift to the political right in Australian academia.

I am circulating this message to my network of colleagues throughout the world to apprise them of the violations of academic freedom and human rights involved in this situation. It is my sincerest hope and expectation that they will be as outraged and indignant as I am. I urge you to reconsider the action that has been taken against Dr. Austin and defend the good reputation of your university by continuing his employment at your institution and respecting his rights of academic freedom and civic activism.

Sincerely

Richard L. Harris, PhD
Managing Editor of the Journal of Developing Societies
Professor of Global Studies and World Languages and Cultures
California State University, Monterey Bay

Also signed by Tariq Ali
Novelist, historian, political campaigner and co-editor of New Left Review
http://www.tariqali.org/

Speech by George Papanastasiou

2006-01-01T10:00:00.000+11:00

Public Forum in defence of Dr. Robert Austin

Around the world today, educators, researchers and students are frequent targets of state-sponsored violence and repression. Comparatively, we can say Australia has been a haven of free academic expression. In the arts, the sciences, in most faculties, independent thinking has been encouraged. We’ve had some problems, yes, but overall, the trend has been libertarian.

More recently however, the politics of fear and ignorance, and hostility to all dissent, has embedded reaction into legislation, triggering overt and brute expressions of sentiments previously dormant and undealt-with in Australia’s psyche. We may be experiencing a watershed moment in our history. The potential consequences shouldn’t be underestimated.

We may also be entering an unprecedented period of official opposition, egged on by attack dogs of the right, to freedom of expression in our universities. The goal is singular and simple – the preservation of educators who’ll only teach students to fight students. I for one could never teach with a boot in my face. Now, it seems Dr Austin has taken a stand - and from what I comprehend of the circumstances he can count on my practical and moral solidarity.

This case confirms for me some long-standing fears. Under the guidance of this federal government, the net is being cast ever further and in every direction because dissenting voices are now buzzing loudly in the ears of an inner cabal of MPs - the same group who think reinforced anti-sedition laws, for instance, could actually silence opposition (if history is anything to go by, the effect will be the reverse). As a result, it’s not inconceivable that in the future we could end-up with a situation of mass civil unrest against state abuses of power. The naive and dangerous view that this can't happen in Australia because we live in some kind of reasoned and ever-civil wonderland is a complete nonsense.

So it’s now that academics and students from around Australia must unite to forge diverse allegiances with unions, community groups, workers, progressive political movements and the community in general – To dissent. I am urging disaffection with the crown and the government of John Howard (Nothing like the physical violence committed by our government and its allies against the people of Iraq, but the stern disobedience for progress that’s been the primer of emancipation throughout history).

This country, via its workers, students and academics – via its unions and community organisations – can shut down. This country, made up of and defined solely by its inhabitants, can shut down and constipate the budding instruments of repression – whatever they may be, wherever they may come from. Oscar Wilde put it simply; ‘Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress has been made, through disobedience and through rebellion.’

We’ve seen this more recently in Latin America, where mass mobilisations and strikes, many spontaneous, have rescued entire societies from dead-ends. I shudder to think where Venezuela would be now if Pedro Carmona, the head of that country’s biggest Business Organisation, wasn’t disgorged by the people before his self-appointed presidency solidified into a pistol grip for neo-liberal interests to the North. For those of us with a rudimentary understanding of the history of human struggle on that continent – the consequences could have been unspeakable. The evidence is in the mass graves of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Haiti – the list goes on.

The critical role played by institutions of higher education in the promotion of human rights and the development and preservation of civil society must be defended. The critical role of our educational institutions in advancing, ever further, the frontiers of human thinking must be preserved. We must dissent. They must be independent, they must be free, in more ways than one.

Thank-you.

George Papanastasiou
Victoria University, Melbourne
Defend our Universities public forum
RMIT, 30 November 2005

Against witches

2005-12-20T11:13:00.001+11:00

Growing public demand to reverse the political dismissal of RMIT academic: Report in IndyMedia by Viviana Ramírez and Julio Henríquez.

Fifty at emergency protest

2005-12-09T17:11:00.000+11:00

On Monday 5 December a successful protest was held at the Chancellory Building at RMIT University. The demonstration was organised to protest the result of the university's appeals and dispute hearings so far, hearings in which management have failed to follow their own policies and processes.

The protestors, mostly students, highlighted the connections between Robert Austin's attempted dismissal and the gagging of student organisations through the "Voluntary Student Unionism" legislation. They also compared the attacks on academic staff and generalised silencing of dissent in universities to the Pinochet dictatorship's purge of critical intellectuals.

The campaign will continue into 2006. Watch this website for news and updates.

Pronunciamiento - reunión pública 30 nov 05

2005-12-02T17:04:00.000+11:00

PRONUNCIAMIENTO DEL COMITÉ DE LA COMUNIDAD LATINA EN APOYO AL DOCTOR ROBERT AUSTIN

• Como parte de la comunidad latinoamericana, quiero agradecer la oportunidad que se me ha concedido de estar aquí en este mítin para expresar nuestra solidaridad y apoyo total con el Dr. Austin, y unirnos a la lucha para defender su puesto de trabajo.

• A la vez manifestamos que vemos con suma preocupación la decisión de las autoridades de la universidad RMIT de despedir al Doctor Robert Austin de su puesto de trabajo.

• En cuanto a los recientes acontecimientos en contra del Dr. Austin, la comunidad latinoamericana exige un alto a los despidos injustificados, un cese a la campaña de intimidación, que obedece a razones políticas y que atenta contra la libertad de expresión, libertad de pensamiento, y opinión.

El Dr. Austin es un académico muy solidario, y abierto a la comunidad Latina. Tuve la oportunidad de conocerle cuando él nos brindó toda su ayuda en la organización de la visita de una diputada representante del FMLN, partido político que actualmente representa la segunda fuerza en El Salvador.

Dr. Austin, como coordinador del Programa de Español, fue invitado a participar en el panel que se había programado. El Dr. Austin, junto con el comité organizador latinoamericano, organizó un foro con la diputada y los estudiantes con carácter puramente educativo y de investigación, de acuerdo con el programa de estudios de América Latina.

Los puntos a tratar dentro del foro fueron en referencia a la situación actual de El Salvador en materia económica, política, social, derechos humanos y conservación del medio ambiente. En este sentido se puede ver cómo el programa propuesto de Estudios Latinoamericanos incide en la comunidad latina en este país.

Además ha organizado la pendiente visita del Dr Carolus Wimmer, director de Relaciones Internacionales del Gobierno de Venezuela, a la universidad; y la visita pedagógica del Profesor Eduardo Acuña de la Universidad de Chile. Todo esto ha sido posible por la gestión y la buena voluntad y trabajo del Dr Austin para con las comunidades latinas.

Para mí y para cualquier persona que venga de un país de América Latina, este acoso político contra los profesores no es nada nuevo. La persecución en contra de catedráticos universitarios es una táctica muy común observada en los países de América Latina, en donde gobiernos represivos históricamente emprendieron una casería en contra de catedráticos y universidades comprometidas con la enseñanza de la realidad nacional.

En El Salvador muchos profesores de educación media y superior fueron víctimas de persecución, tortura, desaparecimientos y asesinatos. Así mismo en este marco de intimidación se llegó a medidas extremas de violar la autonomía del alma mater, llegando al grado de intervenir militarmente el campus universitario de la Universidad de El Salvador en los años 80. Esta intervención mantuvo cerrado al máximo centro de estudios de El Salvador por cuatro años, privando de esta manera al pueblo del derecho a la educación.

Toda ésta persecución que se emprendió en contra de los catedráticos salvadoreños llegó a tal grado de cometer la masacre dentro del alma mater de la Universidad Centroamericana, en donde el 16 de noviembre de 1989 fueron asesinados 5 padres jesuitas españoles y sus colaboradoras. Ellos, como muchos otros, representan los mártires de una universidad comprometida con la sociedad civil, una universidad comprometida con decir la verdad, basada en la realidad nacional. Los padres jesuitas españoles eran una eminencia: filósofos, teólogos, humanistas, escritores comprometidos con la realidad nacional. Los mártires de la Universidad Centroamericana fueron silenciados por su compromiso con la sociedad civil, y con la verdad.

Hace más de 25 años, yo fui victima de un despido injustificado, por haber participado en un paro laboral. Trabajaba para una compañía norteamericana, y dentro de las políticas de esta compañía no estaba permitida la organización de sindicatos, y mucho menos realizar un paro laboral para exigir mejores condiciones. Pero de acuerdo al código de trabajo de El Salvador, sí tenemos derecho a organizarnos en sindicatos.

Cuando yo tenía 17 años, ya andaba involucrada en toda esa efervescencia de lucha en mi país. Estaba convencida de la necesidad de lucha para crear mejores condiciones de vida, de luchar contra la injusticia social en la que había crecido, sumida en la extrema pobreza que me había negado el derecho a la educación, a la comida, el derecho a la salud, y a tener una vivienda digna.

Cuando mis compañeros de trabajo y yo tomamos la decisión de luchar contra las políticas de explotación, los trabajadores con la única arma que contábamos era la de organizarse. ¡Créanme! Para luchar contra cualquier injusticia la organización es un arma muy grande: así como la unidad y la solidaridad.

Participar en la organización del sindicato, participar en un paro laboral, me costó mi puesto de trabajo. Con suerte sólo mi trabajo, pues en esa época pude haber perdido la vida. En ese tiempo, si los trabajadores participaban en esta clase de acciones, era seguro que en la noche lo fueran a sacar a uno de la casa, lo torturaran y lo desaparecieran. Y si tenía un poco de suerte podía aparecer por allí a los días el cuerpo torturado y descabezado, a la orilla de una carretera en un predio baldío. Incluso, la misma suerte corrían las personas que asistían a las protestas.

Bueno, para finalizar quiero hacer un llamado de reflexión a las autoridades de la Universidad RMIT: que consideren su decisión tomada de despedir a un catedrático tan capacitado académicamente para desarrollar en todo su potencial el programa de Estudios Hispánicos. El Dr. Austin en menos de un año en la coordinación ha logrado resultados excelentes para los estudiantes, logrando intercambios estudiantiles con universidades de América Latina, intercambios que favorecen a ambos continentes desde el punto de vista económico, cultural, educativo, y de investigación. Así mismo cabe mencionar que él ha mejorado sustancialmente la calidad de enseñanza para los estudiantes de español de esta universidad.

La universidad tiene el compromiso moral de apoyar a sus catedráticos. El ataque de difamación del cual Dr. Austin es victima, también representa un ataque a la universidad, y un ataque a los estudiantes. La universidad debe ser una universidad comprometida con la sociedad civil, que sea una universidad participante políticamente.

La dinámica de análisis y de acción de la universidad frente a la realidad nacional e internacional debe ser crítica, radical y firme para buscar la justicia.

En solidaridad
Carmen Rosa de López
Melbourne, 30 de noviembre de 2005

Protest - Protest - Protest

2005-12-02T10:59:00.000+11:00

Protest the sacking of Robert Austin
1:00PM Monday 5th December
The Chancellory - Building 1
Bowen Lane (just off La Trobe Street)
RMIT University (city campus)

Unanimous resolution at public forum

2005-11-30T23:06:00.000+11:00

This public meeting condemns RMIT for breaching its own processes for staff probation, and for the lack of natural justice afforded to Robert Austin in the handling of his probation issue. This sacking makes a mockery of RMIT’s proclaimed values of “ethical behaviour and responsibility”, “cultural diversity” and “fairness to all”. It is yet another example of the dangerous shift to the right in Australia.

We further condemn RMIT for conceding to pressure from a conservative media that parrots the line of a government bent on curtailing academic freedom by threatening the loss of public funding to public universities. Columnists such as Andrew Bolt must not be allowed to dictate the political perspectives of academics. Universities must not be allowed to suppress such perspectives, or deter pro-student union activity by staff members. The curtailing of academic freedom sits alongside such ideological attacks as the proposed industrial relations and anti student union legislation, and 'terror laws'.

We call on RMIT Vice Chancellor Margaret Gardner to rescind the sacking of Austin forthwith, and provide a public statement reconfirming RMIT's commitment to academic freedom, proper process and the principles of natural justice.

This meeting also declares our support for future activities on this issue if the matter remains unresolved, such as:

- RMIT NTEU members holding a branch meeting in December to discuss the implications of this case for all staff;

- Students and staff sending a delegation to the VC to argue Austin's reinstatement;

- a demonstration to be held outside RMIT's Building 1 on Bowen Lane;

- an open letter to be sent to RMIT’s Globalism Institute proposing that it condemn RMIT's actions.

Moved: Natalie Zirngast, RMIT Womyn's Information and Research Officer

Carried unanimously, 30 November 2005 (around 45 present)

Public Forum

2005-11-24T20:42:00.000+11:00

Defend our universities - Defend Robert Austin
6:00 PM Wednesday 30th November
RMIT University, Bld 22, Level 4, Room 11
Cnr Swanston and La Trobe Streets

Report on the Campaign to Defend Robert Austin and discussion of its implications. Speakers to include:
Ruth Evans - NTEU Workplace Delegate
Liz Thompson - Spanish 1 student and NTEU activist
Carmen Rosas - El Salvadorean Communiy Leader
George Papanastasiou - Victoria University Academic (International Trade)
Lisa Farrance (chair) - 2004-05 NTEU Branch Committee member

Spanish speakers welcome - Bolivian anti-privatisation activist, Claudia Bonel, will be present to translate.

Concerns about NTEU members

2005-11-24T11:24:00.000+11:00

Note: Case 3 noted below is the case of Robert Austin.

>>> "Jeanette Pierce" 11/24/05 12:14 pm >>>
** High Priority **

To all members

The Branch is involved in a number of cases that are raising serious concerns about the university's approach. While the Branch has always endeavored to maintain constructive relationship with the university these concerns have potential implications for all RMIT staff members and therefore cannot be just quietly tolerated. We are seeking discussions with senior management, but if we are not able to resolve our concerns members may need to consider that we take visible and public protest action and defend our interests over the coming months.

In the process of representing members the Branch has become concerned about the university's interpretation of relevant agreements and policies. The Branch is dealing with a number of cases, in which it is apparent to the Branch, that the university is more than willing to take an aggressive stand in spite of legitimate and reasonable alternatives. We are particularly concerned about members being subjected to harsher treatment based on past perceived differences with their local management or because of their Union association.

The following are real cases that illustrate our concerns;

Case 1. A staff member and Union delegate in FSG has decided to accept early separation for his own personal reasons. The Branch had expressed serious concerns that this position was targeted because of the staff members Union association. The staff member was under enormous pressure to accept the early separation and their decision in no way diminishes the Branch's concerns about the way management frustrated redeployment options and placed obstacles to every alternative suggestion that was made by the Union to avoid the redundancy.

Case 2. An academic staff member of 18 years in the School of Management who, under strong pressure, has accepted early separation as part of the university targeted 180. At the same time the School is advertising a number of similar academic positions which raises serious questions about the real reason our member has been targeted and is being pressured out of a job. In addition the School and Portfolio are insisting she leave on Dec 20th and be deprived of Christmas closedown entitlements. Agreed departure dates of Dec 31st have been widespread practice elsewhere in the university and it is appalling and mean spirited way to treat anyone. In this case the Branch asked the VC to directly intervene and ensure this long standing member has an effective departure date of Dec 31st.

Case 3. The Branch is currently in dispute with the university over the university's decision not to confirm employment of a probationary academic member in the School of International and Community Studies. The Union has repeatedly and unsuccessfully asked to see the evidence on which this decision has been made. The Union vigorously defends the right to natural justice and a proper and transparent probationary process. The Branch will not accept the university's right to dismiss any member, probationary or otherwise for no clear reason or for reasons that may interfer with academic freedom. The rights of academic staff to participate and express opinions in public debates are protected under Schedule 2 clause 5.6 of our Enterprise Agreement. At this point the dispute is with the university but if the Unions concerns cannot be resolved we will have no hesitation in escalating this case to the Australian Industrial Relations Commision.

We are comitted to protect members interests, therefore if management is going to treat the new industrial climate as an invitation to disregard legitmate input from the union and to become aggressively punitive then we will be meeting with members in the new year to discuss ways of using our collective strength wherever and however it will have the most effect.

Jeanette Pierce
President
RMIT Branch NTEU

Monash Student Council resolution, 17 Nov 05

2005-11-18T19:00:00.000+11:00

Motion #8: "This MSC defends the decision made by Dr Robert Austin to reschedule classes to allow students to attend an anti-VSU NDA and calls upon the RMIT vice chancellor to have him reinstated."

*For:* 13 *Against:* 0 *Abstentions:* 1 *Motion carried*

Andrew Bolt and Rob Watts debate

2005-11-16T18:21:00.000+11:00

Andrew Bolt from the Herald-Sun and Prof Rob Watts from RMIT University debate:

"Groupthink and the University Left"
Friday 25th of November - 12:30 to 2:00
RMIT University Storey Hall, Swanston St
Presented by the School of Social Science and Planning

Columnist Andrew Bolt from the Herald-Sun has recently criticised an RMIT teacher for forwarding an email to students giving them details of an upcoming environmental protest. In a later column Bolt was again critical of an academic who postponed classes so that students could go to a protest rally. What then is the role of Universities in public life? What should be the role of academics, staff and students in today's universities?

Academic threatened with the sack

2005-11-16T17:23:00.000+11:00

Article by Natalie Zirngast & Lisa Farrance published in Green Left Weekly.

Protest the IR laws: Tue 15 Nov

2005-11-15T11:26:00.000+11:00

9am Federation Square, 10am March up Swanston St and La Trobe St to 11am Exhibition Gardens. Postscript: Nearly half a million protested around the country against the IR laws. Well done!!

Formal Appeal Against Dismissal

2005-11-09T17:00:00.000+11:00

The basis of my appeal is that RMIT has failed to properly apply its Probation Policy and Probation Procedures in relation to my employment.

Since my commencement at RMIT in February 2005, I have had four nominal supervisors: Dr Christopher Ziguras, Dr Paul Battersby, Ms Guosheng Chen and Professor Manfred Steger. Whilst there was an initial attempt to meet and develop a workplan as required under the Probation Policy, this has in fact not eventuated and I have not been assisted in developing one. To my knowledge, management offered a single unworkable meeting on theme, at the end of first semester 2005 (Chen to Austin, 27.4.05).

Despite this, the assessment and regard with which my teaching and research are held is highly favourable, as per the Probation Review Meeting Form of 28 September 2005. However, under the category of “Service” to the university, the new Head of School, Professor Steger, has sought to terminate my employment on the basis of untested and unverified allegations of a lack of collegiality, and the spurious assertion that I do not “fit”.

The probation policy obliges the supervisor to hold regular meetings to allow for feedback and to provide an opportunity to actively support staff to respond to and address any perceived concerns. This has not happened.

I have had one meeting with Christopher Ziguras in May 2005 which dealt with a number of school matters, including some complaints that I had made or supported in relation to a number of concerns within the school. Amongst the issues discussed were the validity and veracity of anonymous student complaints which were never tested or substantiated, and advice from the Program Manager of International Studies that I present Latin American Studies from 2006 in a way which does not offend business students. Faced with such an intrusion into my academic autonomy, I objected. This has evolved into an assertion of lack of collegiality.

My first probationary meeting with Prof. Steger was held on 14 September 2005. When we were about to commence the meeting, I noticed a tape recorder on the desk behind our meeting table and asked if the meeting was being taped. I also expressed my objection: the HOS had not sought agreement from either myself or the NTEU representative present to tape the meeting. His PA was already present to take minutes. At this point, the Head of School abruptly terminated the meeting. It was later rescheduled for 28 September 2005.

The 28 September meeting saw the tabling of a memo with four points of concern. The meeting did not give me any genuine chance to respond and discuss the stated concerns in any rational way. There were again references to anonymous complaints/concerns, all of which have yet to be tested or substantiated. It was at this meeting that the infamous Bolt article was referred to as evidence of my lack of collegiality, at point 4. The meeting naturally ended on a tense note. However the formal Probationary Review Meeting Form filled out by the Head of School is not accurate, and is knowingly false in relation to what transpired.

At no stage has the Head of School attempted to develop any appropriate strategies to address perceived concerns in this process. Providing me with an EAP Pamphlet does not constitute the discussion of staff development and training needs. When the Head of School was asked for copies of materials referred to and relied upon to assert his views, these were denied on the grounds of confidentiality. The Probation Review Meeting Form of 28 September 2005 notified a final Probation Review meeting to take place in the first week of November 2005.

Two days later, in a display of less than collegiate conduct, the same Head of School and PVC Cumming disrupted a gathering of Spanish sessional staff and colleagues off campus, just after 8.30 a.m., in Druids Café. The PVC demanded my immediate return to campus, stating that he wanted an immediate meeting, without explanation; and falsely claimed that this process had been endorsed by the NTEU branch president. I refused. PVC Cumming had already intercepted and interrogated me as I entered the Café, and had evidently been pacing the pavement outside from 8.20 a.m.

Moreover, the next probation meeting was abruptly called for 12 October. There, new anonymous and untested allegations were aired, allegedly on behalf of some sessional staff. When copies of these were requested in order to clarify the exact nature of the “complaints” by the NTEU representative, they were again denied on the grounds of confidentiality. Despite this, I denied the thrust of the allegations and was attempting to present an alternative view, when the Head of School stated he was not happy with my response, and shortly afterwards that he had no alternative but to recommend termination to the PVC. The NTEU representative stated that, as a result of this, he would have no alternative but to notify an Industrial Dispute. This was done on 13 October 2005, and it is still a live dispute.

Throughout this process, management has increasingly demonised my alleged “lack of collegiality”, all under the nebulous concept of “fit”. Their approach has paid virtually no regard to my performance in relation to teaching and research, including development of a major international exchange program (see attached report) and winning five UMAP and one accompanying academic scholarships to Chile in 2006, all of which would be properly considered as service to the university.

At no stage have I had a workplan, nor have my various supervisors provided genuine support, assistance or advice in establishing me as an academic member of RMIT. Ms Chen, the nominated day-to-day supervisor, does not meet the requirements as outlined in the RMIT Enterprise Agreement 2000 (Schedule 2, Clause 10, “Academic Staff Supervision”). This in itself has caused tension, given the traditional VET focus of the Language programs and the essential contrast with a Higher Education focus. In my view, this hints at the real genesis of the major underlying and unarticulated issues in this matter, and management’s unshakeable preference for appearance over essence.

At all stages in my employment at RMIT I have been prepared to discuss all issues with my supervisors in an open and objective manner, but have been denied any genuine opportunity to do so, and have been subjected to punitive actions as a result. This, in my view, breaches a fundamental tenet of the principles of natural justice, which is a key consideration of RMIT probation procedure.

In an effort to prepare a better-informed response, I formally requested access to my complete personnel file on Monday 7 November 2005, for the following day. As per attached correspondence (Hansen to Austin and Austin to Hansen, 8 and 9 November 2005), the file provided was bereft of anything pertaining to the substantive matters in the probation process. Once again, management has denied natural justice.

To conclude, I would welcome the opportunity to be interviewed by the appeal committee in order to assist it reach an informed view of the way in which my probation has been handled by the university, and to clarify any questions committee members may have in relation to the proper application of process.

Robert Austin, BA (Hons), Dip Ed, M. Ed, Ph.D
Melbourne, 9 November 2005

Stoush: the message for academics

2005-10-31T13:25:00.000+11:00

"The message is pretty clear for academics. If you publish racist articles and barrack for extreme-right wing racist organisations, and though you might have classes cancelled on ‘security’ grounds, you’ll keep your job. Defend the rights of students to organise, and go to the trouble of providing supplementary classes, and get yourself sacked." See stoush.net

Defend our universities! Defend our unions!

2005-10-27T16:08:00.000+10:00

Article published on Indymedia by Lisa Farrance and Liz Thompson.

The Federal Government has lately intensified its attack on public universities, with the full backing of commercial radio “shock-jocks” and their print-media equivalents. Not content with a complicit media, Nelson and Howard now want compliant, uncritical universities. And RMIT is showing the way...

Bolting to the Right

2005-10-24T22:08:00.000+10:00

Article on Indymedia by Rowan Cahill [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowan_Cahill].

The article provides a background to the recent attempts to dismiss lecturer Dr Robert Austin from RMIT University.

Bolt Strikes Lecturer

2005-10-21T17:00:00.000+10:00

Article published on Workers Online - the official organ of Labornet.

Salvadorean Solidarity

2005-10-18T13:00:00.000+10:00

Dear Vice Chancellor:

IN UNITY AND SUPPORT!!!

We wish to give solidarity to staff who have had their employment threatened and would like to state that Dr Robert Austin has been inclusive and supportive towards the Spanish community. The attempt to silence intellectuals and repress freedom of speech at RMIT attack the soul and substance of the university. Academic freedom is the most fundamental principle at the heart and soul of all universities in the world; it is essential to the openness of heart and mind that allows us to face reality.

The attack against Dr Robert Austin is a clear violation of Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on freedom of speech. Everyone is entitled to the rights and freedoms in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without distinction of any kind—such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion—allowing individuals to live free from fear of oppression. These actions that violate freedom of speech had usually been seen only in the repressive regimes in Latin American countries.

For the right to live in peace! In solidarity with Dr Robert Austin,

Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (Melbourne)

Andrew Bolt article used to dismiss staff member

2005-10-05T15:40:00.000+10:00

Andrew Bolt article used to dismiss staff member, whose employment is threatened for rescheduling classes in support of anti-VSU National Day of Action. Details below.
__________

Last week, a staff member in International and Community Studies (with which Social Science and Planning is about to merge….) had his employment threatened by the Head of School for rescheduling classes on the day of the August 10th National Union of Students National Day of Action to allow students to attend an action in support of their student union.

This staff member is on probation, and despite receiving a probation report that indicated that his research was “excellent and goes beyond reasonable expectation”, and that the Head of School commended him on his teaching and engagement with students and other universities, his employment was threatened due to his behaviour in rescheduling the classes. An article in which right-wing polemicist Andrew Bolt named the staff member, Robert Austin and RMIT NTEU branch president Jeanette Pierce, was produced in the probation meeting as evidence of the lack of collegiality of the probationary staff member.

Pasted below is the text of the email sent to NTEU members encouraging them to cancel classes or not penalise students for attending the August 10th NDA. Robert Austin did not cancel, but instead re-scheduled the classes. The aforementioned article attacking Robert and Jeanette came exactly a week after an article attacking RMIT academic Dr Robin Goodman, in which RMIT staff Professors Tom Nairn and Mary Kalantzis are also derided. Both articles are attached below.

It should concern every staff member in RMIT, every union member, and every supporter of the important functions and representation provided by student unions that this kind of material can be used to effectively discipline a staff member – that facilitating student self-activity by rescheduling classes to maximise participation in this rally is considered part of an attitude problem that needs to be rectified on pain of termination of employment.

Please email your support for Robert to RMIT NTEU branch president, Jeanette Pierce, (Jeanette.Pierce@rmit.edu.au) Student Union president Sridaran Vijayakumar and myself, Liz Thompson, and please email the Vice Chancellor, Margaret Gardner, at vc@rmit.edu.au, insisting that she act to defend Robert's employment from politically-motivated attacks from either in or outside the university.

Please email me directly if you wish to offer your support or assistance.
Thanks,

Liz Thompson
Spanish 1 student

Note: The two articles by Andrew Bolt referred to here have been published below under "comments".

__________
Email posted to NTEU Members in the lead up to the National Day of Action:

“Dear members,

August 10th National Day of Action against Voluntary Student Unionism:

On August 10th, TAFE and university students around the country will be taking action against Voluntary Student Unionism, legislation that will silence student unions and take away the organised political voice of the student body. This legislation also threatens the jobs of thousands of union members, including those in the NTEU. The NTEU and the National Union of Students are asking staff to cancel classes for the afternoon or not penalise students for non-attendance on that day, and also to come along to the rally in the city starting at 2pm at the State Library. This follows on from our EBA reportback and update starting from 12pm, where we will discuss the August 10th day of action, our EBA and upcoming events such as Open Day and the next student day of action on August 25th.

Members are encouraged to attend the NUS national day of action starting at the State Library at 2pm. Students will be meeting in Bowen Street from 1pm.”