Vaile backflip a huge win for uni staff, students and climate

The Australian Greens MPs

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed news that Mark Vaile will not be made Chancellor of the University of Newcastle.

Senator Faruqi said:

“This is a huge win for the university staff and students who fought this terrible appointment, and for the Hunter community.

“Coal bosses have no place in university leadership. The university community spoke out, organised, and knocked this appointment on its head.

“The next chancellor should be appointed in consultation with the university community and reflect their demands for a university that leads on the big problems we face.

“We are in the middle of a climate emergency and communities are demanding leadership that will tackle this crisis with the urgency it demands.

“We need to build and nurture universities that are democratic, equitable and sustainable. There is no time to delay,” she said.

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