NSW inquiry into ‘university crisis’

The NSW Upper House on Monday referred a Parliamentary inquiry into its universities to investigate and report on the “crisis” in the sector.

It will examine the legislative frameworks that regulate NSW's 10 public universities, with a focus on governance, transparency, accountability, and public benefit.

The inquiry will also look at whether the mix of state and federal legislation and compliance requirements help or hinder the functioning of institutions.

Similar to its federal government counterpart, the inquiry will investigate the structure, powers and responsibilities of governing bodies, including the qualifications, experience and appointment processes for university council members.

The referral comes after the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) found universities are sacking 3578 staff across the country, and up to 1500 in NSW.

The University of Technology Sydney on Thursday confirmed it would cut 400 jobs and temporarily suspend enrolments to 120 of its courses.

NSW's investigation comes as a similar Senate inquiry at the federal government level heard about issues regarding university councils, wage underpayment and overregulation.

Peak university bodies have said there is too much regulation in the sector. The University of Sydney recently said it needs to comply with a total of 331 pieces of legislation, with 157 imposing significant compliance burdens, which is a 10 per cent increase over the last two years.

NSW Labor party Legislative Council member Sarah Kaine will lead the inquiry as chair of the Standing Committee on Social Issues after a petition that highlighted concern about recent job and course cuts in NSW universities was presented to Parliament.

“Universities are not just institutions of learning—they are public assets, civic anchors, and engines of social progress. This inquiry will ask whether our current laws and governance structures are helping or hindering them in that mission,” Dr Kaine said.

“This is a chance to ask hard questions. Are universities being run in the public interest? Are they accessible, inclusive, and accountable? Are they fulfilling their promise to serve society—not just markets?

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“This inquiry is about building a stronger, fairer university system for future generations. We want to hear from those who live and work within these institutions every day, and ensure their views are heard and can help shape the path forward.” 

Dr Kaine studied her undergraduate economics degree and PhD at the University of Sydney before working as an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney for a decade.

She worked at the Australian Workers' Union, was an organiser at the Australian Council of Trade Unions and is a former NTEU member.

In her time as NTEU NSW division president and staff representative on the UTS university council, Dr Kaine advocated for the reduction of precarious work, limits to university executive pay and better representation of women.

Submissions from students, staff, university leaders, experts, and members of the public are open until October 17.