Deakin VC resigns after job losses announced

“Professor Iain Martin has resigned as vice-chancellor of Deakin University, effective immediately, just days after 150 job losses were announced in a restructure. An all-staff email sent on Tuesday afternoon by chancellor Claire Higgins thanked Professor Martin for his seven years of leadership. “He commenced in July 2019 and guided the university through the pandemic, the most difficult period in our recent history,” she said. “As a result of Iain’s leadership, Deakin is in a much stronger position today. “I acknowledge that a change like this can be unsettling. Please remember that Deakin is in a steady position, and that is a credit to the great work you all do here every day.” Deputy vice-chancellor of research and innovation Matthew Clarke has stepped up as caretaker vice-chancellor whilst an acting vice-chancellor is appointed. The university last Thursday announced a restructure that will cut 130 to 150 positions to reduce ‘duplication’ found in its academic portfolio. Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront campus. Picture: iStock/NilsBV. The restructure will affect 1800 positions, including unfilled positions, and about 600 staff will have to re-apply for their current jobs. Most losses will be academic positions, and some will be from the infrastructure and digital portfolios. More on this story: ICAC investigates alleged corruption at UOW | Top universities fall in latest rankings | Deakin University underpaid staff $3m Deputy vice-chancellor of academia Jessica Vanderlelie said staff can also apply for a voluntary redundancy. “There are fewer roles in the future state structure than there are in the current state structure,” Professor Vanderlelie said at a staff meeting. “There are clear opportunities for us to improve alignment, reduce duplication, and create more consistent ways of working.” A spokesperson said staff feedback will be considered until the Enterprise Agreement expires on June 19, 2026. “Like other universities across Australia, Deakin is responding to significant changes, including evolving student needs, rising expectations for support, and how education is delivered and supported,” they said. “These proposals aim to position Deakin to continue delivering high-quality, relevant, inclusive and trusted education, now and into the future, supported by sustainable services and systems.” The university reported a deficit of $17.7 million in 2024 and a surplus of $56.3 million in 2025, but only thanks to a return of $52.5 million in financial investment returns made the year prior. Without the return on investments, the university only would've made a $3.8 million surplus, up from a $37.2 million deficit before the return on investments in 2024. Its annual report said the small surplus was the result of a growth in international student load and a continued focus on prudent cost management. Staff costs increased by 4.9 per cent in 2025, due to salary increases in enterprise agreements, increased staff numbers and wage underpayment remediation for casual staff .

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