ACA Petition to Reverse Decision to Discontinue Chiropractic Degree at RMIT |
The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is appalled at the unilateral decision taken by RMIT to suddenly discontinue the Chiropractic Degree Program.
This decision was made without consultation with staff, students (Australian or international) or other relevant stakeholders such as the chiropractic professional bodies.
A publicly funded university acting in this manner appears to fly in the face of the Albanese government’s positive philosophy around educational access, particularly for those in the regions.
We believe a public institution that selectively closes a program which serves the public health interest and is economically viable, requires scrutiny. Given the role chiropractors play in serving the ageing population, together with the fact that low back pain is the number one disability worldwide, this decision is contrary to future community needs and industry demands.
Despite multiple attempts by students, staff and the professional bodies, RMIT will not provide the rationale for their decision. We believe an institution funded by government must be accountable to its stakeholders both within and without.
This program has a proud history of producing high quality chiropractors for over 40 years. It was the first chiropractic program in the world to be fully government funded. The ACA’s support over those years has included millions of dollars of research funding together with the donation of properties.
Over recent years, the RMIT Chiropractic Degree Program has had the highest proportion of indigenous students graduating in healthcare across any field in Australia. It is a vital portal for students from rural and disadvantaged communities, including indigenous students. What will happen to all those students now?
RMIT’s unilateral decision will have dramatic impacts on the chiropractic profession that provides health services to over 400,000 Australians each week.
By providing your name, address and email and completing this petition from the ACA, we can confirm it will be tabled in parliament and used as one part of a wide range of communications to save the chiropractic program at RMIT.