Higher Education Problems Ignored in Budget
Joint NTEU, NUS and CAPA Media Release
The peak national bodies representing university staff and students have expressed grave concern at the lack of attention to the problems facing Australia’s universities in tonight’s Budget.
“There is unanimity in higher education that the problems are extremely significant. We all agree that at least $1 billion increase in public funding is needed to redress the cuts of the last six years,” Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President said.
“Figures released yesterday by Dr Nelson show student numbers up by over 30,000 while the teaching staff numbers increased by only 319. After years of increasing student to staff ratios, our universities and their staff are at breaking point. The Government needed to act”, Dr Allport continued.
“Doing nothing is tantamount to cuts for our universities. With the number of qualified students missing out a university place way up this year and the upcoming round of enterprise bargaining not funded, universities are facing more tough times thanks to this do nothing budget,” Leisa Ridges, CAPA President said.
“This year the number of places for research students is down by about 3,500. This is a problem of the Government’s own making and it has done noting to fix it”, Ms Ridges continued.
“The Government has clearly indicated its priorities. Guns, bombs and barbed wire fences have won out over education, books and tolerance”, Moksha Watts, NUS National President said.
“Increased education spending is the best defence Australia could have, investing in understanding and tolerance is a long term solution,” Ms Watts concluded.
For further information or comment, contact:
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President, Mob 0419 349 064
Moksha Watts, NUS President, Mob 0411 606 808
Leisa Ridges, CAPA President, Mob 0414 316 163