AGNSW Staff Protest Job Cuts Following NSW Government Funding Reduction
On August 27, more than 100 employees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales staged a protest against proposed job reductions, marking the first industrial action in over ten years. This unrest follows the NSW government's announcement of a AUD 5.8 million (USD 3.8 million) funding cut for the years 2024 to 2026. Last year, the gallery was instructed to eliminate 29 roles, leading to five redundancies. On August 12, Director Maud Page revealed plans to lay off 51 of the 382 staff members to achieve annual savings of AUD 7.5 million (USD 4.9 million). PSA representative Tony Wright cautioned that these cuts would "literally decimate" AGNSW. The government pointed to a Treasury review indicating that AGNSW's revenue growth has not kept pace with expenses since the Naala Badu building's opening in 2022. AGNSW has also extended its consultation period by two weeks.
Key facts
- Over 100 AGNSW employees protested on August 27 in Sydney.
- First industrial action at AGNSW in over a decade.
- NSW government cut AUD 5.8 million funding over 2024–26.
- Director Maud Page announced 51 layoffs from 382 staff to save AUD 7.5 million annually.
- PSA's Tony Wright said cuts would "literally decimate" AGNSW, affecting exhibitions.
- Cuts target managerial roles in training, diversity, inclusion, risk, and safety.
- NSW Treasury review cited revenue growth lagging costs since Naala Badu building opened in 2022.
- AGNSW extended consultation period on cutbacks by two weeks.
Entities
Artists
- Maud Page
- Tony Wright
- Anne Kenneally
- Sanle Yan
Institutions
- Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW)
- NSW Government
- NSW Treasury
- Public Service Association (PSA)
- Sydney Morning Herald
- Australian Financial Review
- Powerhouse
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- New South Wales