Who can we trust with our universities? University staff launch election campaign in South Australia
11 October 2001
The National Tertiary Education Union, representing staff at the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia, will launch its Federal Election Campaign in Adelaide tomorrow.
NTEU President Dr Carolyn Allport said that the Union would campaign in the marginal seats of Adelaide and Hindmarsh – home to several university campuses, and many university students – around the importance of increasing investment in higher education.
`According to a Saulwick poll published this week, 62% of Australians believe that our universities are not getting enough government money to do their job properly,’ said Dr Allport. `This echoes the findings of the recent Senate Report on universities, which found evidence of overcrowding, underfunding and a crisis in confidence in the future of our higher education system.’
‘Since 1996, the Howard Government has cut around 5% from each of the budgets of the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia – that’s the equivalent of about $20m altogether. These universities make a vital contribution to South Australia’s economy, and provide important opportunities for its young people to develop the skills they need.’
`We challenge all political parties to show a commitment to Australia’s future by restoring investment in universities.’
Dr Allport and ACTU President Sharan Burrow will launch the Union’s campaign at a meeting at the Cloisters at the University of Adelaide at 11.30 tomorrow morning, 12th October. A press conference will follow at 12.30.