A clear choice emerges in higher education
3rd November 2001
For the first time since the election of the Howard Government, a substantial difference has emerged in the higher education policy priorities of the two major parties. While the Coalition’s funding package over the next five years totals around $2.9billion for higher education and research, the ALP is offering $4billion over the same period.
`The NTEU is not affiliated with any political party, and we judge the parties on the strength of their policies, ‘ said NTEU President Carolyn Allport. `In this election, the ALP is taking a giant stride towards a quality higher education system by pledging to restore quality and opportunity.’
`The ALP has taken three important steps: they have a strategy to restore funding for quality teaching, research and infrastructure through the University Improvement fund, they have committed to easing the burden on students and their families through reforms to the HECS threshold and rent assistance for Austudy, and they have recognised the importance of investing in our great public institutions.’
`We’re pleased that the Coalition took a first step in January, with the announcement of new money for research and student places in the Backing Australia’s Ability package and regional university places announced in the May Budget,’ she said.
`However, we’re disappointed that all the Government has offered in this campaign is a spoiler, in trying to pass off old money already included in the Budget as new spending – especially as the ALP has already committed to maintaining this funding if elected.’
Dr Allport also paid tribute to the commitment of the Greens and the Democrats to increasing public investment in education.
`We’ve seen a seachange in the mood of the electorate, and our politicians, over the past twelve months. Education and research is moving up the electoral agenda. The challenge will be for whoever takes Government to respond to this and develop a viable strategy for Australia’s long-term future.’