University staff welcome ALP's plans for teacher education...but more action needed on HECS
10 October 2001
The NTEU has welcomed Labor's plans to provide 1000 HECS -free scholarships to people undertaking education degrees, and Teacher Development Partnerships to support ongoing professional development for Australia's teachers.
NTEU President Carolyn Allport said that HECS-exempt scholarships were a good way to attract high achievers into teaching, and so support the quality of education in Australian schools. It would also support the rejuvenation of education faculties in Australian universities, many of which have taken a battering as a result of Government funding cuts.
`Teachers seeking to upgrade their qualifications have also been hit hard by the imposition of full fees for most postgraduate courses,' said Dr Allport. `For many people, it's just too expensive. Between 1996 and 1999, for example, total postgraduate load in education courses fell by more than 20% - a direct response to soaring course costs and funding cutbacks.'
`Australians value quality education for their children. Supporting better professional development opportunities for our teachers is a great way to help ensure it.'
Dr Allport said that she hoped both major parties would have more to say about the Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS) as the campaign unfolded.
`Since the Coalition was elected, HECS fees have more than doubled for some courses, and increased for everybody. People have to start paying their HECS while their income is still low. This is a big slug for low-paid workers, particularly those who have families to support.
Increasing the threshold for HECS repayments should be the first step in reforming HECS.'