BY NICK FREDMAN
LISMORE — A major reason for the protracted enterprise bargaining dispute at Southern Cross University is extravagance by the institution's executives, according to damning evidence presented at a mass meeting called by the National Tertiary Education Industry Union (NTEU) here on August 31.
Over the 20 months of the dispute, most staff, while understanding that federal government cuts have savaged the sector, have not bought the lie pushed by management that the university can't afford both a 12% rise over three years, the standard won in the recent enterprise bargaining round, and maintenance of job numbers.
The staff unions have pointed to the large sums spent on prestige projects and executives' salaries and conditions. However, the extent of largesse for top bureaucrats, some with links to the local Liberal Party, came as a shock to many.
The union presented evidence that vice-chancellor John Rickard has spent $195,750 on the vice-chancellor's residence in recent months, has spent much of his time since beginning the position overseas and has arranged for the university to purchase his BMW and then place it at the disposal of his wife.
Rickard's predecessor, Barry Conygham, spent $383,640 spent on the residence after 1995. Conygham had authorised $500,000 to be spent, and it is not known what happened to the remainder. The residence is valued at only $230,000.
Management has refused to reveal executive salary rises and bonuses granted during the period of the dispute, and Rickard has earmarked $950,000 for refurbishment of the executive building.
Management has attempted to split the staff and make a separate deal with the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) for the general staff. Around 100 general staff members present at the August 31 meeting voted unanimously against a separate agreement.