Queensland has strong claims for increased
April 11 2003
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) on Friday released a briefing paper titled Higher Education in Queensland, that outlines the current position of Queensland’s public universities in relation to the other States and Territories. In addition, the paper examines the likely impact future population growth and changes to higher education policy may have on Queensland’s universities over the next three to four decades.
“There is little doubt that based on population projections alone, Queensland’s universities are entitled to claim about 40% of government-funded university places over the next three to four decades,” Dr Carolyn Allport, President of NTEU said.
“Future university places in Queensland should be divided evenly between Brisbane and regional Queensland, if population projections are correct. Queensland is the only State where regional population is forecast to grow as fast as in the capital city”, she added.
The paper also shows:
- that Queensland’s universities receive their share of government-funded places based on population, however they lag somewhat behind in terms of their share of research funding,
- while Queensland 16-24 year olds participation in higher education is at the national average it has the third lowest level of higher education attainment of all the Australian States and Territories.
“Queensland’s regional universities also face additional challenges and associated costs due to the relatively high number of students from disadvantaged groups, especially those from rural and isolated areas, lower socio-economic groups and, Indigenous students,” Dr Allport said.
“In terms of the Minister Brendan Nelson’s higher education review, Queensland’s regional universities may benefit from some additional government funding aimed at helping student’s from disadvantaged groups,” she said.
“However, there are fears Queensland’s universities will be the big losers if the government decides to further concentrate research funding based on past performance. Only the University of Queensland would benefit from such a change to research funding, with the other six Queensland public universities likely to miss out.”
A copy of the briefing paper is available for download from the NTEU website at: http://www.nteu.org.au//policy/crossroads/briefing
For Further Information Contact
Paul Kniest (email pkniest@nteu.org.au)
Research and Policy Officer
NTEU National Office
Phone: (03) 9254 1920 or 0418 170 622