Kemp embraces vouchers, increased uni fees and a real rate of interest on student loans
13 October 1999
The National Tertiary Education Union, representing academic and general staff in Australian universities, has condemned the Government’s plans to deregulate university fees and introduce a voucher-driven funding system for Australian higher education.
The plan was revealed by the Labor Party in Question time today.
The ALP quoted from a Cabinet Submission, allegedly prepared by Kemp’s office, which argued for:
The complete deregulation of university fees, allowing universities to set the fees paid by all students
A voucher-driven funding system, whereby students are eligible for some Government subsidy but must meet the costs of any `gap’ fee imposed by the university
A universal loans scheme to replace HECS, but with a real rate of interest attached (currently, HECS interest rates are indexed to the CPI)
`The Government did not deny the authenticity of this document, and indeed the Minister advocated its proposals,’ said NTEU President Dr Carolyn Allport. `This does not surprise us – all indicators have pointed to this position on the part of Government, but Dr Kemp has been trying to pull the wool over the eyes of all Australians.’
`This is the proposal for implementation of the West Review of Higher Education: a review which called for the total deregulation of Australian higher education. The Minister distanced himself from when it was released last April; and said that the Government had no intention of introducing voucher-based funding. He lied.’
`Perhaps the most deceitful aspect of this submission is the proposed date for implementation of the new scheme – from the first of January of the year immediately following the next Federal Election.’
`If Cabinet accepts this proposal, it may well create the most unfair, expensive university system in the world. While elite universities will charge the highest fees they can, smaller and regional universities will suffer. Students’ access to quality education will depend on their capacity to pay, and staff will have to turn even more of their energy to generating income rather than concentrating on the world class teaching and research for which Australia is renowned.’
`University staff condemn the duplicity and short-sightedness of this Government, and all Australians should be outraged by this Government’s willingness to sacrifice the future of our young people to market forces.’
FURTHER COMMENT
DR CAROLYN ALLPORT NATIONAL PRESIDENT
TEL 03 9254 1910 (BH)
0419 349 064
JULIE WELLS POLICY AND RESEARCH COORDINATOR
TEL 03 9254 1910 (BH)
03 9525 5451 (AH)
0418 357 499
SIMON KENT .. POLICY AND RESEARCH OFFICER
TEL 03 9254 1910 (BH)
0416 101 536