Canberra Institute of Technology CEO resigns amid financial deficit

The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is facing significant leadership and financial challenges. Chief Executive Margot McNeill has resigned, stating the decision is in the best interest of the CIT community, students, and staff. Her departure follows scrutiny regarding her leadership and a review of recruitment processes.

Simultaneously, CIT is implementing a Sustainable Workforce Program to address a $28 million deficit reported at the end of 2025. This program includes a voluntary redundancy scheme and a review of vacancies and contracts. However, the institute has faced criticism from staff for advertising a new Director of Procurement and Contracts role with a salary exceeding $172,000 while simultaneously cutting jobs.

Staff and the Australian Education Union ACT Branch have raised concerns regarding a perceived imbalance in staffing, noting that resources appear to be shifting toward executive corporate positions rather than frontline teaching. The union has called for a rebalancing of the workforce to ensure high-quality vocational education and training.