Australian National University walks back plans for forced redundancies as part of major restructure

The Australian National University (ANU) has abandoned its plans for forced redundancies as part of its efforts to cut costs.

Interim vice-chancellor Rebekah Brown told a town hall meeting of staff and students this morning that the university "no longer need[ed] any more involuntary redundancies".

Five of 13 "change proposals" are still in a consultation phase, and forced redundancies identified as part of those plans will now not go ahead.

Professor Brown was placed in the role after Genevieve Bell resigned last week.

Professor Bell had been overseeing a suite of changes to try to save $250 million in operating costs.

Those changes included multiple rounds of redundancies and changes to departments, causing controversy across the university.

Union members supported a vote of no con