Greens education policy applauded - $4 billion for public education
23 October 2001
The union representing university staff has applauded the launch of the Greens education policy in Melbourne today.
“We welcome and endorse Senator Brown’s commitment to inject $4 billion into public education”, Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President said. “The Greens policy is a positive statement about the vital role of education in an open and democratic society.
“The increasing investment promised by the Greens is needed to maintain quality in our universities. Student to staff ratios have blown out by a massive 20% in the first four years under Howard. Increased investment is needed to reverse this dangerous trend.
“The Greens policy acknowledges the heavy financial burden on students. We support the need to increase student support payments and cut student fees. Australia’s universities are already the fourth most heavily dependent on private income, especially student fees - only Korea, Japan and the USA rely more on private funding. The Greens policy promises to make universities more accessible to people from poorer backgrounds.
“We also welcome the Greens’ understanding of the important role played by university staff in providing expert comment to the community. The Greens’ defence of academic freedom demonstrates a deep commitment to the basic values on which universities are based.
“The Greens’ have always promoted the importance of public education in the Senate. Greens’ support has been appreciated by university staff and we look forward to them continuing to defend the interests of our universities after the election.”