Curtin and Murdoch oppose proposed merger of three Western Australian universities

Curtin University and Murdoch University leaders are opposing a proposed merger with the University of Western Australia, as Western Australia’s government prepares a business case for combining the three public institutions. ABC News reported on October 18 that criticism of the plan has intensified over errors in a Deloitte cost-benefit analysis and a disputed exchange in state parliament.

The proposal has not been approved. The WA government says work on a business case for a potential merger is due to begin in late 2026 and finish in 2027. That process will help determine whether the three universities should be combined.

Why Curtin and Murdoch oppose the merger

UWA has taken no formal position, although its leaders described the proposal as an opportunity, ABC reported. Tertiary and International Education Minister Tony Buti and Premier Roger Cook have argued that a merger could bring economic benefits and better outcomes for students. Cook has described the potential move as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity.

Deloitte report errors and the political dispute

The cost-benefit report prepared by Deloitte for the government drew criticism after errors were identified. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said a student submitting work of that standard would receive an ‘F’, ABC reported. Deloitte called the errors minor and said they did not affect its findings. On October 15, Buti said he would ask the firm to return some of its fee, saying he was angry that the errors had occurred.

The dispute then moved into parliament. Buti recounted a private conversation in which, he said, Zempilas had supported a three-way merger and offered to stand with him when it was announced. Zempilas denied Buti’s account. What was said in that private exchange remains disputed.

Other opponents have questioned how the government reached this point. Shadow education minister Liam Staltari said the government may have decided on the merger before consulting others, while Greens legislator Sophie McNeill argued that the value of educational institutions could not be reduced to a cost-benefit calculation. The government’s planned business case is the next stated step for a proposal that has already divided university leaders and state politicians.