BY BROOKE HEINZ

After-hours staff tasked with ensuring the welfare of on-campus residents at the University of Newcastle may be outsourced under a new proposal, according to

The


Newcastle Herald.

There are reports staff were shown plans to replace after-hours student living support officers with what one staff member described as

“security guards”

under the University’s restructure of its Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS).

However, a University of Newcastle spokesperson has told 2NURFM staff have not seen a formal consultation paper.


“The formal consultation paper with the proposed changes has not yet been presented to staff,” said the spokesperson in a statement.


The Newcastle Herald

also reported environmental and business support officer roles will be cut, along with the downsizing of the department’s management.

When asked for further comment, the University of Newcastle spokesperson did not confirm or deny the specific claims published in

The Newcastle Herald,

but did acknowledge possible upcoming staff changes.



UON’s


Infrastructure and Facilities Services


(IFS) will announce proposed staff changes in the coming weeks,” their statement read.





“T

he change proposal will only be finalised following consultation with staff about the proposal and after all feedback is considered.”





“The University understands the important role IFS staff play in providing services to students and staff across a range of areas, and this high-quality support and service will continue to remain a priority for the University.”