Curtin University vows strong resistance to WA government's mega-university merger plan

The Western Australian government, led by Premier Roger Cook and tertiary minister Tony Buti, announced a business case to explore merging Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia into a single mega-institution. A steering committee headed by businessman Mark Barnaba and medical researcher Fiona Wood will guide the assessment, which follows a 2023 review of the state’s tertiary sector.

Curtin University vice chancellor Harlene Hayne said the university will vigorously oppose the plan, citing potential cost overruns, loss of institutional legacy, and threats to jobs and student choice for its 67,000 students and 10,000 staff. She argued that a university of almost 120,000 students would add complexity rather than competitiveness, especially as Western Australia faces housing pressures and a healthcare workforce shortage.

The government maintains the merger could deliver economic benefits, create long-term jobs and improve access to national and international research funding. Officials stressed that the business case will detail costs, transition steps and funding arrangements before any final decision is made.