POLITICAL PARTIES DEBATE HIGHER EDUCATION AT NTEU POLITICS IN THE PUB
November 8, 2007
POLITICAL PARTIES DEBATE HIGHER EDUCATION AT NTEU POLITICS IN THE PUB
WHEN: Thursday 8 November 2007, 5.30pm
WHERE: University of Adelaide Club, Hughes Plaza
Political candidates for key House of Representatives seats will join potential new faces in the Senate in an open forum on the future of higher education, to take place at 5.30pm today, Thursday November 8, at the University of Adelaide.
The forum will be chaired by Australian Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja.
Speakers include:
- Kate Ellis, ALP Member for Adelaide
- Nick Xenophon, Independent Senate candidate
- Ruth Russell, Democrats Senate Candidate
- Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senate Candidate
- Amanda Rishworth, Labor Candidate for Kingston
“The future of higher education in Australia is at a cross roads and this election outcome is perhaps more critical for the sector than any previous one”, said NTEU National Vice President, Dr Greg McCarthy.
“The latest OECD data indicates that public investment in Australian universities continues to decline relative to comparable countries, resulting in an increased reliance on private funding sources.”
“Despite the fact that universities now derive as much as 60% of revenue through private means, the federal government continues to seek 100% control over the sector,” Dr McCarthy continued.
“The Coalition Government’s unfettered power in both Houses of Parliament has enabled the imposition of a series of legislative and regulatory outcomes that have worked against the best interests of students and have resulted in unprecedented attacks on working conditions for university staff.”
“These changes will become further entrenched and expanded if the Coalition is successful on 24 November.”
“The future of the sector is at stake. We are very keen to hear the views of this group of potential new parliamentary faces,” he concluded.
For information and comment:
For further information please contact Dr Greg McCarthy on (08) 8303 5607