The announcement, at a staff meeting on Wednesday, has prompted speculation of job losses, particularly for the university’s casual workforce.

John Passant, a casual tutor in UOW’s School of Humanities and Social Inquiry who attended the meeting, said Prof Wellings indicated wages would be brought under renewed  scrutiny, with the aim of reducing from 58per cent to 56per cent the portion of operating costs that goes on staff salaries.

Mr Passant believes the university will  rein in pay rises, opt not to renew contracts and employ fewer casuals to meet the target. 

‘‘If they’re looking to save $6million to $8million from their staffing budget, then obviously one way is to employ fewer casuals,’’ Mr Passant said.

‘‘This pushes more work onto the remaining staff, both academic and professional.

‘‘[The meeting] confirmed my view that the fight against cuts and fee deregulation and for higher education is going to be a long, drawn-out battle that doesn’t start and end with the budget.’’ 

UOW recorded operating costs of almost $557million in its 2013 annual report, and an $18.6million surplus.

The Mercury contacted Prof  Wellings’ office for comment but was told he was unavailable.

Successive governments from both sides of politics have cut spending to higher education.

The current government is seeking  cuts of about 20per cent – estimated by the National Tertiary Education Union to be worth $95.8million to UOW between 2016-19 – but it would also deregulate fees, giving universities the power to raise student fees.

The  reforms to the funding of tertiary education, including a proposal to charge real interest on student loans, is being considered in the Senate.