Premier Roger Cook says WA may have too many universities for its size, unsure when merger review concludes

Roger Cook says the number of universities now serving WA could be “considered too many” for a city of Perth’s size, but he was unsure when a State Government investigation into possible mergers would be completed.

As revealed by The West on Monday, brand research presented at a recent forum for University of Western Australia graduates revealed the institution was losing prospective students to its rivals.

Results of its own brand review showed many school leavers were turning away from UWA because of perceptions it was “elitist, aloof and stand-offish”, while perceptions of Curtin University were mostly positive.

The forum was also told that UWA had conducted financial modelling on the benefits of merging with Curtin or Murdoch University, with early findings favouring a UWA-Curtin merger.

A committee headed by former Labor minister Alannah MacTiernan was expected to report back by the end of the year on the cost-benefit analysis of university mergers, but the Premier indicated that timeline may not be met.

“I haven’t had an update into when that review will be concluded, but obviously that inquiry is to look at how we can continue to provide world class universities for the people of Western Australia,” Mr Cook said.

“In South Australia, they’ve undertaken an amalgamation of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.

“In Western Australia, we have four (public) universities, that’s sometimes considered too many for a State of three million people, but we’re just getting the best possible advice.

“Obviously, we’re going to work very closely with the universities about how we ensure our universities into the future are world class and delivering for our community.”

Mr Cook said potential university mergers were “primarily an issue for them”.

“I’ve just asked the question, how do we continue to make sure that our universities are competitive across the globe and I think it’s important that they always look at what’s best practice overseas — in terms of size, reach, scope, and strategic approach to education, science and research in their community,” he said.

“I think all our universities do a great job on behalf of the people of WA, but we need to continue to make sure that WA, every part of our economy, is operating at an internationally competitive level.”

Asked if UWA was “too snooty” Mr Cook laughed, but said that was not something he could answer because he was not a UWA graduate.

“Certainly, there’s a lot of very happy students at UWA today, and it’s got a very proud alumni,” he said.