NTEU ELECTION CAMPAIGN TARGETS SOUTH AUSTRALIA
6th September 2004
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) is targeting the marginal seats of Adelaide and Hindmarsh in the lead-up to the October 9 election, highlighting the increasing cost of a university degree and the declining public funding of our universities under the Howard Government.
“Analysis of the NTEU shows that since 1996 HECS fees have doubled while real Government funding for each student place has dropped by 13%,” said NTEU President Dr Carolyn Allport.
“If the Howard Government is re-elected the situation will get worse. From 2005, universities can put their HECS fees up by 25% and it will be easier for students to buy a full fee place at a cost of up to $100,000 or more with marks less than the cut off score for a HECS place.”
“All three South Australian universities have already announced HECS fee increases of 25% for 2005 and media reports last week revealed that the University of Adelaide will be charging over $100,000 for a full fee dentistry degree.”
“While the Government claims that universities have the option of setting their own fees, declining Government funding means that South Australia’s universities have in fact been left with little choice”, said Dr Michael Venning, NTEU South Australian Division Secretary.
“Declining funding is putting pressure on the infrastructure and staff at South Australian universities”.
“Australian students already pay amongst the highest public university fees in the world. Whichever party wins on October 9, we need a solution to the funding problems facing our universities that does not increase the financial burden on students and their families,” said Dr Venning.
The South Australian Division of the NTEU will be holding a public forum at the University of Adelaide on the 15th September to give staff, students and the local community the opportunity to ask their Federal candidates about their plans for the future of higher education in Australia.
FOR INFORMATION AND COMMENT:
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President: 03 9254 1910, 0419 349 064
Dr Michael Venning, NTEU South Australian Division Secretary: 08 8302 2639