Casualization of Academics in the Australian Higher Education: Is Teaching Quality at Risk?.

Abstract

This article explores the issues casual academics face in Australia and whether these pose risks to teaching quality. The logic of the rampant casualisation in Australian universities is exposed first (i.e., mainly flexibility and cost saving to offset drops in government funding), followed by a discussion on the theoretical risks casualisation generates to teaching quality. Among these, one can include: less skilled, less professionally- equipped and less secure teaching staff, fewer inputs from up-to-date research, compromised academic and professional integrity. Indeed, surveys indicate that casual academics in Australian higher education providers have to cope with, among other issues, inadequate working conditions, lack of job security, differences in treatment as compared to full-time faculty and little support to engage in research activities. These findings compose a grim outlook of Australian academia, one that can jeopardise the contribution of higher education to Australia's economy and export accounts. Debate on these matters cannot be postponed much further: strategies to mitigate the risks uncovered are required now.