NTEU WELCOMES VIC GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON NEED TO INVEST IN HIGHER EDUCATION
September 3 2002
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) welcomes Victorian Minister for Education and Training Lynne Kosky’s statement on Thursday that any reforms emerging from the current Federal Government review of higher education should be underpinned by a much stronger funding commitment to our universities.
“As this week’s Productivity Commission study into resourcing of higher education internationally made clear, Australia is spending a declining proportion of higher education compared with competing nations,” said NTEU Victorian Secretary Mathew McGowan.
“The Commission’s report says that total expenditure on universities in Australia has fallen from 1.7% of GDP in 1993 to a current level of 1.4%, putting us behind the United States, New Zealand, Sweden and Canada.”
“In light of this alarming decline, the emphasis in today’s Statement on Knowledge and Skills by Minister Kosky that a fundamental re-commitment is required from the Commonwealth Government regarding its funding obligation to public universities, is important,” said Mr McGowan.
“The Minister’s insistence that the Victorian Government will not be supporting any proposals arising from the current higher education review that compromise university’s universities commitment to excellence and public accountability, is also significant,
“According to Minister Kosky, this including moves to make students and their families bear an unreasonable funding burden in terms of increased fees and charges.”
“The quality of education that students receive in our universities is under threat by reductions in Government for funding higher education.”
As key stakeholders, including the NTEU, gather in Parliament House in Canberra tomorrow for the conclusion of the consultation phase of the Review of Higher Education, it is vital that the Federal government examine ways to increase the funds provided to higher education from sources other than students and their families.
“Related to this, the Victorian Division of the NTEU agrees with Minister Kosky that it is important for the Government to investigate options to secure greater industry investment in higher education.”
For information and comment
Mathew McGowan,
NTEU Victorian Secretary
0417 054 110