◆ ACADEMIC FREEDOM
Gerd case not over yet Despite a huge backdown by Murdoch University, whistleblower Gerd Schröder-Turk’s case continues in the Federal Court. In mid-January, Murdoch University staff were surprised to read an all staff email that the University had decided to withdraw the financial component of its lawsuit against whistleblower, Associate Professor Gerd Schröder-Turk. The University’s retreat is a huge advance in Gerd’s case, but by no means is the case over.
Recap In May 2019, Gerd and two colleagues appeared on ABC’s Four Corners, denouncing Murdoch University’s practices in relation to international students. Gerd is the academic staff elected representative on the University Senate, and following the program, a motion was put to remove Gerd from the governing body. Gerd brought legal proceedings alleging the University’s actions were an infringement on his right to academic freedom, breached the Fair Work Act and were reprisal action against him for whistleblowing. The University defended those claims, but also shamelessly counter-sued Gerd for his role in throwing light on its own practices with international students. Murdoch’s claim is that Gerd breached his duties to the University, and it sought millions of dollars in lost revenue.
#IStandWithGerd Murdoch’s actions struck a chord with the higher education community, and the broader community, who solidified and galvanised support behind the academic. Members of parliament, interest groups, students, and NTEU members all contributed to showing Murdoch just how wrong its actions were. The outpouring of support for Gerd has not wavered. The power of this support for Gerd and the backlash against Murdoch led the university to rethink its decision to sue him. In January 2020, the University wrote to all staff that it had advised its lawyers to withdraw the financial component of the claim against him – but not the whole lawsuit.
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Gerd Schröder-Turk thanks his many supporters My name is Gerd Schröder-Turk. Some of you might recognise me, some of you might know me personally, and some of you might have just read about my story. I am here to express my and my family's heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful support that's been given to us by so many, through this petition, through the NTEU campaign and other ways. I feel humbled by so many kind messages, each and every one gratefully appreciated and much needed. Yet, I also feel emboldened by the many strong and clear voices that demand protection for everyone's right to speak the truth. Even on uncomfortable topics. And I feel empowered by all those who supported my, Grahame's and Duncan's concerns for the wellbeing of our students and academic integrity. 'Those who are strong enough to assert their rights have a responsibility to protect others especially those who are dependent on them'. This is the quote from Murdoch University's Code of Ethics and I attempt to live up to this expectation in everything I do. I would now like to thank all of you for having done exactly that for me at a time when I most needed your support. Thank you to everyone. Thank you very much! Watch the video at www.youtube.com/user/nteu
Where to from here? Since then, Murdoch wrote to all staff stating that it had contacted Gerd’s lawyers to try and reach a settlement. This is excellent news for Gerd, and a major retreat by Murdoch. At this stage, however, the case continues. ◆ Kelly Thomas, Senior Legal Officer Stay updated about Gerd’s case at nteu.org.au/istandwithgerd
ADVOCATE VOL. 27 NO. 1 ◆ MARCH 2020
