Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has undergone significant leadership changes, with the appointment of an acting chief executive and a deputy chief executive, following weeks of speculation and turmoil. The organization has been in the spotlight due to a missing head of staff, job cuts, and an incident involving a student's finger being severed, which is currently under investigation by the ACT's work health and safety regulator.
Mitch Pirie, currently the ACT Treasury Economic and Financials executive group manager, has been named as the acting chief executive. With a background in leadership, governance, strategy, and public administration, Pirie brings extensive experience to the role, which he will hold for the next three months while the CEO is unavailable. His salary for this period is not disclosed, but the advertised salary for the new deputy role in February 2026 was between $402,267 and $414,704, indicating a significant financial commitment to these leadership changes.
Nik Babovic, a vocational leader from Queensland, has been appointed as the deputy chief executive. Babovic's most recent role was as the chief operations officer and general manager operations at TAFE Queensland in Brisbane. His expertise in leading complex operations, strategy, and organizational transformation across large and diverse portfolios in the TAFE and higher education sectors will be crucial in supporting the delivery of CIT's vision for excellence in education and innovation. The new deputy role was established in December 2025 as part of the executive structure review, and it will oversee shared services and student support.
The leadership changes come at a challenging time for CIT. The institute has faced scrutiny over the handling of the missing head of staff, and the recent job cuts and safety incident have further complicated its reputation. The appointment of Pirie and Babovic is a strategic move to navigate these challenges and ensure the organization's stability and future success. However, the financial implications of these leadership changes, particularly the significant salary package for the deputy role, raise questions about the organization's financial management and the potential impact on its overall budget.
In conclusion, the leadership changes at CIT are a significant development, with the organization facing both internal and external challenges. The appointment of Pirie and Babovic is a strategic move to address these issues, but it also highlights the need for careful financial planning and transparency. As CIT navigates this turbulent period, the organization must ensure that its leadership changes are not only effective but also financially responsible, especially given the substantial financial commitment involved in these appointments.
