Politics · Australia · 18 hrs ago
Curtin vows to oppose proposed merger of three WA universities
Western Australia’s government plans to examine merging Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia into one institution.
It has announced a business case to assess the proposal before a final decision is made.
Curtin vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne says the university will oppose a forced merger, citing concerns about cost, disruption and the loss of choice, jobs and institutional history.
The state government says earlier studies found a merger could bring economic benefits, create long-term jobs and help universities compete for research funding.
The proposed institution could have almost 120,000 students, according to Hayne.
The business case will examine costs, transition arrangements and how a merger could be put into effect.
No final decision has been made.
Curtin University says it will vigorously oppose a proposed merger of Curtin, Murdoch University and the University of WA.
The Cook government has announced it will develop a business case for the merger before making a final decision.
Curtin vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne says the merger could bring significant costs, risks and disruption.
The state government says earlier studies found a merger could benefit Western Australia’s economy and create long-term jobs.
The proposed university would have almost 120,000 students, according to Hayne.
- Who
- Curtin University, led by vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne, opposes the proposal. The Western Australian government is progressing the business case.
- What
- The government plans to examine a proposed merger of Curtin, Murdoch and the University of WA.
- When
- The government announced the business-case plan on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Western Australia.
- Why
- The government says the merger could strengthen the university sector and the economy. Curtin says it would bring costs, risks and disruption.
Curtin University
Western Australian government
Purpose
Curtin University
Curtin says the merger’s benefits have not been clearly articulated and would bring significant costs, risks and disruption.
Western Australian government
The government says previous studies found a merger could provide maximum benefits to the WA economy and create long-term jobs.
Scale
Curtin University
Curtin says a university of almost 120,000 students would bring complexity rather than competitiveness.
Western Australian government
The government says a strengthened university would be better positioned to win national and international research funding.
Curtin will vigorously oppose this in the best interests of our more than 67,000 students, 10,000 staff, 300,000 graduates and Western Australia’s economic future.
The business case is about doing the detailed work - confirming costs, transition arrangements, and implementation pathways ahead of a final decision being made.
Then-education minister Tony Buti commissioned a review of Western Australia’s tertiary sector.
Buti commissioned a cost-benefit analysis of three merger options, led by Alannah MacTiernan.
Premier Roger Cook and Minister Tony Buti announced plans to develop a business case for the proposed merger.
- Universities proposed to merge
- Curtin, Murdoch and the University of WA
- Proposed student population
- Almost 120,000
- Curtin students
- More than 67,000
- Curtin staff
- 10,000
- Curtin graduates
- 300,000
Sources
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