Kemp plan to fund foreign universities proven by DETYA documents
9 November 2001
Documents produced by Dr David Kemp’s department show that the Federal Government plans to subsidise foreign universities.
In response to allegations from Dr Kemp that the NTEU had fabricated allegations concerning the Government’s free trade agenda, the Union released correspondence from the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) asking State governments if the Commonwealth should publicly fund foreign universities.
The document, produced by DETYA in developing the Australian Government’s position on GATS, states:
“Should Australia consider going beyond its current commitments on market access and extend national treatment for commercial presence in the private Secondary, Higher/Tertiary and English language sectors? National treatment would require that foreign institutions be treated identically to Australian ‘private’ institutions, in that they would be subject to the same domestic regulatory and accreditation requirements and would be eligible to apply for public subsidies under the same rules that apply to domestic private institutions.”
NTEU National President, Dr Carolyn Allport, reacted angrily to Dr Kemp’s attack on the Union.
“Dr Kemp’s own department asked State governments if the Commonwealth should allow foreign universities to be publicly funded. In an election-eve knee-jerk, Dr Kemp has sought to criticise our expertise and integrity to cover up his own intentions. If Dr Kemp didn’t want to fund foreign universities, why would his department seek approval from State governments to do so? He is either ignorant of his department’s actions or he is hoping to cover them up.” Dr Allport said.
For a complete copy of the correspondence between DETYA and State governments, please call the NTEU on 03 9254 1910.