SUPRA acknowledges the current class action proceedings brought by Dr Tristan Burt against the University of Sydney and the Commonwealth of Australia regarding the employment status of Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship recipients between 22 September 2015 and 22 September 2021.
SUPRA recognises the legitimacy of these proceedings and respects the right of any student or alum to pursue these issues through formal legal channels. We understand that this case raises important questions about the status and rights of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates within the University structure.
We note that this class action operates on an opt-out basis, with a deadline of 4pm, Wednesday 28 May 2025. We encourage all potentially affected individuals to carefully consider their options and make an informed decision about whether to remain in or opt out of these proceedings. This decision should be made based on your individual circumstances and considerations.
SUPRA’s position on HDR status and support
It is important to clarify that legal proceedings such as this class action do not themselves constitute policy directives. However, they do create valuable opportunities for broader discussions about policy matters: in this case, the appropriate classification and role of HDR candidates who are in receipt of APA and RTP scholarships, within the broader University system.
SUPRA maintains that HDR candidature is fundamentally a studentship, which carries with it a valuable level of freedom for academic exploration. As students, HDR candidates benefit from mentorship within university settings without the same key performance indicators required of Early Career Researchers (ECRs), such as teaching requirements and grant submission targets. We believe this arrangement fosters a healthy research environment that benefits Australia’s overall research landscape, and that stipend-based support is appropriate for this educational model.
Concurrently, SUPRA continues to advocate strongly, in alignment with the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), for 2 key reforms:
- That part-time RTP stipends should not be subject to taxation.
- That, recognising the substantial contribution HDR candidates make to Australia’s research output and innovation economy, government contributions to stipends should meet minimum wage standards.
SUPRA believes that representation for HDR candidates is most effectively achieved through dedicated student organisations like SUPRA and CAPA. These bodies provide focused, autonomous advocacy that might be diluted within a broader staff representation framework. We affirm our ongoing commitment to negotiate and advocate for HDR candidates within university structures in ways that are both autonomous and respectful of the unique position HDR candidates occupy.
Inclusion of all HDR candidates in policy discussions
It is important to note that this specific class action, by its nature, focuses solely on recipients of APA and RTP scholarships. This excludes a significant portion of the HDR community who receive funding through other means, such as internal university scholarships, international scholarships, industry-linked funding arrangements, or those who are self-funded.
SUPRA acknowledges that any future policy discussions stemming from this case must carefully consider the implications for all HDR candidates, regardless of funding source. The diversity of HDR funding arrangements reflects the complex reality of research training in Australia, and any systemic reforms must account for this complexity to ensure equitable outcomes for all postgraduate researchers.
We encourage all affected individuals to review the class action documentation carefully and seek independent legal advice if necessary.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA)
Stay in touch with us