, August 7). These illustrate graphically the costs to Australian education and society generally that are being paid for fattening the profits of the tertiary sector’s export-earning degree factories. Vice chancellors are threatening to sack 14,000 academics if they can’t increase the numbers of international students . Then there’s the equally alarming report of UNSW’s plans to further profit from wealthy overseas students by building 15 and 16-storey residential blocks adjacent to NIDA .
Fierce resentment toward tall poppies incite proud heads being cut back down to size by rivals. Conversely, underachieving bottom-feeders will want to stay hidden below the murky depths of “quiet quitting” to avoid discovery. A commitment to staying unremarkable and uncontentious is the name of the game for a trouble-free career. Clocking in and out on time, not voicing controversial opinions and responding to emails in a breathless sprint come recommended as a winning trio of untroubled work attitudes. Just don’t expect to receive a medal.Perhaps the Iranian ambassador should undergo “education and training”, including a visit to either the Sydney or Melbourne Holocaust Museum .