CQUniversity has reached a preferred position - following 10 months' rigorous evaluation and consultation with staff and staff representatives - that printing, custom distribution and inventory control of Learning and Teaching material will be more effectively, efficiently and economically served by an external supplier or suppliers.

CQUniversity is expected to shortly enter into discussions with potential supplier(s) of service to develop a formal agreement.

Following a recommendation made earlier this month by an internal university committee (which was governed by the University's Change Management Procedures and based on extensive research and staff and staff representative feedback) the University's Rockhampton-campus based Printing, Publishing and Despatch Units are likely to wind down operations as early as the end of July as part of the organisation's overall restructuring program to find efficiencies and improve overall services.

Approximately 20 people will be affected by the decision to outsource services.

According to the recommendation, a Print Management Unit would be established within CQUniversity Commercial Operations to handle relations between the University and external provider(s).

An annual savings of approximately $1million is projected. The University's current annual expenditure for such activities, including staff remuneration, is approximately $3 million.

The University's evaluation process included proposals made by printery staff, who (with the assistance of an independent business consultant) submitted their own business models. In addition, numerous alternatives to the current operating model were considered. During this period the University also made invitations to offer (ITOs) seeking tenders Australia-wide from external organisations to provide such services.

 "This has been and open and transparent process. The University acknowledges the general economic environment in which this decision is being considered and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that staff are cared for during this period of transition. At the same, however, the University has an obligation to find savings from cost reduction initiatives that better tailor our education and support services to meet the changing needs of our students," a spokesperson said.