CHALLENGES FOR REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES THE FOCUS OF ELECTION FORUM AT SCU LISMORE
September 20, 2004
The challenges facing higher education on the northern NSW coast will be the focus of a forum for local candidates contesting the October 9 election being organised by the National Tertiary Education Union at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus on Tuesday.
“The Federal House of Representatives seat of Page contains SCU’s Lismore campus, and there is no doubt that the issues facing the university are going to be crucial in deciding the election outcome in what is going to be a very close race,” said Dr Paul Gannon, President of the NTEU’s SCU Lismore Branch.
“The campus enrols high numbers of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and for these students and their families the increasing cost of getting a degree is an important election issue.”
“HECS fees have already doubled since 1996 and under the Government’s university reforms as of next year universities can charge an additional 25% HECS. Although SCU has decided not to increase its fees in 2005, reduced government funding will put it under mounting pressure to increase HECS fees if it is to continue to provide quality teaching and research.”
“The issue of access to university on the basis of merit and not money is a vital one given the high rates of unemployment in the local community and the need for increased skilled employment in the region.”
“Staff and students at SCU will be keen to hear what the candidates seeking to represent Page in Canberra will have to say about these issues at Tuesday’s forum,” said Dr Gannon.
FORUM DETAILS
WHEN: Tuesday September 21, 12 noon
WHERE: Campus Central Auditorium, Southern Cross University (Lismore)
Addressing the forum will be the following candidates:
Kevin Bell, ALP
Ian Causley, National Party
Tom Flanagan, Socialist Alliance
Mark Jackson, Greens
Julia Melland, Australian Democrats
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President, will chair the forum.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew Nette, NTEU Policy and Research Coordinator: 0438 026 277
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW AND COMMENT:
Dr Carolyn Allport, President, NTEU: 0419 349 064
Dr Paul Gannon, President NTEU Branch, SCU Lismore Campus: 0408 240 579