GREENS' HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY RECOGNISES CORE ISSUES FOR UNIS
November 14, 2007
The Greens higher education policy released today recognises the important role that Australia’s universities play and the issues that need to be addressed to enhance their broader social, cultural and economic contribution, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said today.
Ted Murphy, NTEU Assistant Secretary said:
“The NTEU welcomes the Greens’ recognition of the importance of higher education, not only in economic terms, but also socially and culturally. Public investment in university staff and students needs to be a priority if Australia is going to continue its international claim as being a ‘clever country’.”
“We applaud the Greens’ call for an increase in block grant funding to universities by $1.2 billion per annum and for an additional $150 million per annum for universities to independently allocate to research.”
“The policy addresses a number of other core issues facing university staff, including a commitment to repeal all of the WorkChoices laws and their higher education counterpart, the Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements, which tied much needed public funding to the promotion of Australian Workplace Agreements.”
The policy also acknowledges the importance of preserving institutional independence and protecting academic freedom to the effectiveness and reputation of our universities.”
“We support the policies announced today for students, including a reduction in fees and charges and an overhaul of our outdated income support schemes.
“Particularly welcome is the call for an increase to the levels of ABSTUDY and better support for Indigenous students and academics as a practical means of addressing the growing inequity in higher education.”
“The issue of Indigenous participation in higher education has been off the radar during the election campaign, despite the controversy generated by the intervention in the Northern Territory and data showing that the number of Indigenous students in higher education is actually decreasing.”
For information and comment
Ted Murphy, NTEU National Assistant Secretary: 03 9254 1910