A major university boss has lambasted the tertiary sector for becoming too bloated, failing students and losing sight of its purpose to serve the public good.

The sector had become a two-track system, with record profits for some and large deficits and job losses elsewhere, Western Sydney University vice-chancellor George Williams said.

WSU is among six of NSW's 10 universities undergoing restructures the union estimates puts 1500 jobs on the line.

"There's a misalignment on what universities should be delivering and management structures," Professor Williams told ABC Radio on Friday.

"We should be judged on what we deliver to our students first and foremost."

The constitutional lawyer who was a pivotal figure in the failed voice referendum defended the use of hiring a trio of consult

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