Media Release: Revised UTS Plan Reflects Sector Advocacy, Yet Key Public Health Programs Remain at Risk

December 11 2025

The Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA) welcomes the announcement that the University of Technology Sydney will retain its Postgraduate Public Health, Diabetes Education and Management, and Palliative Care programs. This decision brings significant relief to staff, students, partners, and the communities who rely on these programs to strengthen Australia’s public health capability.

This outcome follows sustained and constructive advocacy led by CAPHIA and the UTS School of Public Health. Shortly after the initial announcements, CAPHIA’s Executive Director, Holly Donaldson, and Board Director and Co-Chair of the Advocacy and Engagement Committee, Professor Lisa Hall, met with the UTS Dean of Health to outline concerns, discuss workforce impacts, and propose viable alternatives. The revised plan more closely aligns with the solutions proposed in that meeting and reflects the collective advocacy of UTS staff, CAPHIA members, students, and the broader public health community.

However, the news remains bittersweet.

CAPHIA is deeply concerned that the Bachelor of Public Health is still slated for closure, along with postgraduate Health Services Management programs. These decisions risk narrowing essential entry pathways into the public health workforce and limiting opportunities for students – particularly those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds – to contribute to Australia’s health system.

In addition, the impacts on staff remain uncertain.

The prolonged ambiguity around roles, workloads, and future structures continues to place significant strain on UTS staff. CAPHIA urges UTS to provide transparency, meaningful consultation, and a clear commitment to supporting staff wellbeing and preserving critical expertise.

Public health education is a national asset. CAPHIA will continue to work closely with UTS leadership, government, professional bodies and affected communities to ensure that all public health programs – undergraduate and postgraduate – are protected, valued, and strengthened.

For further information, please contact:
Holly Donaldson
CAPHIA Executive Director