After a turbulent week, in a turbulent year, the news broke this afternoon that Iain Martin has resigned as Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University – effective immediately.
While the news comes less than a week after a new set of change proposals were floated expecting to lead to job cuts, but there has been no reason publicly provided for the departure.
Professor Martin is respected as a key thought leader in the sector, having led Deakin for almost seven years and faced a wide range of challenges to try to keep the university an attractive proposition to prospective students while competing in the hotly-contested Victorian market, while also seeking to build a sustainable future.
Chancellor Claire Higgins, who ascended to head the Council in January this year, announced the departure to staff this afternoon; saying Professor Martin would finish up today.
"As a result of Iain’s leadership, Deakin is in a much stronger position today, " Ms Higgins said.
"On behalf of Council and the entire Deakin community, we are very grateful for Iain’s service. We will recognise Iain’s contribution more fully in due course. For now, I thank Iain and wish him well."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Matthew Clarke has been appointed caretaker Vice-Chancellor, with an Acting Vice-Chancellor to be appointed by Council soon.
It is clear that the university faces a wage cost issue. The university made a net operating surplus or $56m in 2025, but a deficit was expected for 2026.
"This reflects salary increases from enterprise agreements and increased staff numbers across both academic and non-academic cohorts to support teaching and research activities,” Deakin's most recent Annual Report states.
Employee expenses in 2025 were 59 % of consolidated revenue – at the top end of the range for the sector, precipitating the latest change program.