NTEU ANALYSIS SHOWS GOVERNMENT INTERFERES MORE, PAYS LESS AND INCREASES THE COST TO STUDENTS
October 11, 2005
A National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) analysis of the Higher Education Funding Report 2004-05 reveals no new resources for higher education, an increase in Federal Government interference through changes to the funding mix, and an increase in student contributions to the cost of their university education.
“While it is not immediately apparent from the 2004-05 report, a closer examination of the data shows that the total level of Federal Government expenditure on higher education increased by a paltry $18 million, or 0.4%, in real terms in 2005,” said Dr Carolyn Allport NTEU President.
“Operating grants, over which universities have a high degree of discretion, actually fell by 3.2% between 2004 and 2005, while other grants, which often must be used for specific purposes, increased by almost 8%.”
“It is clear that the new funding mix has nothing to do with increasing Government resources for higher education but rather is aimed at giving the Federal Education Minister a greater degree of control over what universities do, and how they do it,” said Dr Allport
The Report was released by Federal Education Minister, Dr Brendan Nelson, in late September.
“The report also confirms the Federal Government’s enthusiasm for shifting the cost burden of a government-supported university education onto the shoulders of students and their families.”
“The contribution students make to the cost of a government- supported university education increased from 37.9% in 2004 to 40.6% in 2005.”
“The Government’s contribution for educating government-supported university students through Operating/Commonwealth Grants Scheme grants fell by more than $500, or 6.3%, in real per student terms between 2004 and 2005.”
“At the same time the contribution made by students through HECS payments increased on average by $247, or 5.1%.”
“As a consequence, in 2005 universities actually have about $260 per student less, or 2% fewer resources, to educate government-supported students than they did in 2004.”
“The Government’s own report card on higher education shows that far from creating a sustainable university system, it has managed to make students pay more, give universities less, and increase the level of interference in the operation of our universities,” Dr Allport concluded.
For the NTEU analysis visit: www.nteu.org.au/policy/submissions/discussion05/hereportbrief
Information and Comment:
Paul Kniest, NTEU Policy and Research Officer: (03) 9254 1910