LABOR OFFERS UNIVERSITIES INCREASED FUNDING WITHOUT INCREASED STUDENT FEES
5 October 2004
The Aim Higher package released by Labor today offers universities access to a secure stream of improved public funding without the need to increase fees for students and their families.
“Labor’s policy promises substantial benefits for students and staff, as well as the universities they study and work in,” said Dr Carolyn Allport, National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) President.
“For universities, it is clear that Labor’s package contains more funding than that provided by the Coalition, including compensating universities for the loss of any revenue from Labor’s decision to abolish the HECS increases that a majority of universities have adopted from 2005.”
“Labor’s policy offers $3.9 billion in public funding for universities in the period 2005 to 2008, compared to the $3.3 billion provided by the Coalition.”
“None of Labor’s money comes from increased student fees, in contrast to the Government’s policy which includes approximately $800 million which the Department of Education Science and Training has estimated will be generated through HECS increases between 2005 and 2008.”
“As well as scrapping the Government’s 25% HECS increases, students will welcome Labor’s phase out of up front full fee paying places for domestic undergraduates and the creation of 20,000 new student places.”
“For universities, Labor is promising a more realistic system of indexing university funding which will compensate them for the actual salary and other costs incurred in delivering quality education to students.”
“A proper indexation mechanism offers universities greater funding certainty, and will help revitalise declining university infrastructure and assist staff to deliver the high quality education that is expected of them by the community,” said Dr Allport. “Without proper indexation, the sector is left with the solution offered by the Coalition, to keep slugging students and their families with increased fees and charges.”
“Other initiatives in Labor’s package which will benefit the sector, include funding for universities to modernise information technology and collaborate with TAFE, initiatives to tackle skills shortages in areas such as nursing and teaching, and a substantial increase in funding and programs to encourage the increased participation of Indigenous staff and students in our universities.”
“The Union also welcomes the fact that Labor’s funding and programs do not appear to be connected to workplace relations policies that seek to undermine university staff and the reputation of Australian universities.”
“Labor’s package confirms that voters have a real choice when it comes to the higher education policies of the major parties.”
Information and Comment:
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President: 0419 349 064
Andrew Nette, NTEU Policy and Research Coordinator: 0438 026 277