BONUS: People behind the numbers: voices from Australian universities

The New Social Contract

From the 21,000 job losses predicted for Australian universities to the $19 billion hole forecast for the sector's finances, we are hearing about a whole host of numbers during the pandemic.

But behind these numbers are the people who make up the higher education sector; people who you won’t necessarily hear from very often but whose lives, whether through their work or study, are deeply connected to their institutions.

In this bonus episode of The New Social Contract, we listen to those on the ground at universities across Australia, including academics, international students, domestic students and casual staff whose lives and work have changed in the face of COVID-19.

We wanted to hear what life has been like for you during this time, as well as what your hopes are for the future of higher education post-pandemic, as we start to see the lifting of lock down restrictions.

This is a big conversation and it’s one that involves everyone, which is why we have dedicated an episode to listening to each other.

Thank you to all who contributed their time and thoughts. We received a number of voice memos, conducted short interviews and collected anonymous contributions.

Special thanks to:

Aman Kapur

Amber Brown

Anna Hush

Brendan Mewburn

David Bond

Fahim Md Rafiq

Jenna Price

Kyara Hardjani

Molly Wilmott

Roslyn Hall

Sarina Kilham

Xanthe Spindler

And all our anonymous contributors

News grabs in the podcast feature the voices of:

Dr Alison Barnes, National President, National Tertiary Education Union on Sky News ‘Government package all smoke and mirrors’

Nick Grimm, Journalist on AM, ABC, ‘Pay cuts for university staff in a bid to stave off job losses’

Kylie Walker, CEO of Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering on the 7.30 Report, ABC, ‘Fears for the viability of Australia's top universities without international students’

International Student Support

On May 16 the NSW Government announced it will fund a $20 million package for stranded international students, joining Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT in offering financial support schemes.

Emergency food assistance for international students in Sydney

https://www.study.sydney/student-welfare/emergency-food-assistance

Community support and food relief for people in Melbourne: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/support-for-students-coronavirus/support-and-food-relief-organisations#

Resources if you need assistance with groceries:

https://insiderguides.com.au/where-to-turn-to-if-you-cant-afford-groceries/

And if you need someone to talk to, call:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• And many universities have hardship funds and support services available.