Will History fall silent?
Statement of concern from the HCNSW
The following statement has been sent to Professor Chris Dixon,
Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University.
The History Council of NSW is a peak body for History in New South Wales. It believes that History shapes the present and the future. Through our programs and services, we have built capacity within the history sector and showcased the importance of history for the past 30 years. We work hand-in-hand with our members, universities, and cultural institutions to achieve these goals.
We are, therefore, extremely concerned to hear about the planned downsizing of academic positions in the Arts Faculty. This, we believe, will lead to far-reaching impacts for students, academics, and research outputs.
In particular, we deplore the decision of Macquarie University to axe academic positions and curtail the course offerings in the discipline of Ancient History, Ancient Languages and Archaeology. We cannot understand why such successful courses, with global reputations for excellence, are being downgraded, especially when the School of Humanities is profitable, generating $113 million in revenue and costing just $48.6 million to run.
We are also deeply disturbed that this is occurring at a time of such conflict in the Middle East, when it is well-known that cultural exchange and enhancing knowledge is vital to promote the cause of world peace.
The History Council of New South Wales’ Value of History Statement emphasises the importance of History in shaping our identities, engaging us as citizens, creating inclusive communities, aiding economic well-being, teaching critical and creative thinking, inspiring leaders, and serving as a foundation of future generations.
We fear that Macquarie University’s decision to curtail knowledge in the School of Humanities is not only damaging for the university’s reputation, its students and employees, but is a threat to the health of Australia’s humanities sector more generally, which can impact society more broadly.
We urge you to rethink this downsizing of important intellectual endeavour before it is too late, and we are happy to be part of an industry cohort that assists in this rethink.
Image Credit: Stock photo from Canva.
(This statement was sent to Professor Chris Dixon, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University on 24 June 2025.)
As a Postgraduate Alumni from MQU’s Ancient History DEPARTMENT I am appalled at this latest news of the decimation of Ancient History and Archaeological areas of study. Macquarie has spent 30+ years building a WORLD LEADING Ancient History curriculum with outstanding Academics leading the teaching staff all respected in their fields.
Do not sound the death knoll on decades of hardwork and worldwide, positive recognition and simultaneously DEVALUING the degrees held by YOUR ALUMNI now and into the future.
“Those who do not study History are doomed to repeat it.”
culture seems to be a long way down the list of needing funding. A beautifully tough way to make a living. Result: more groups from overseas with their ideas and taking money out of the country.