Regional unis in battle
$ 2billion in federal tertiary cuts pit city against country for new places
REGIONAL universities remain united in their push to ensure they are compensated under proposed higher education reforms, which will see millions in funding stripped from the sector.
The government unveiled a number of proposed changes to higher education funding in this year’s budget which included a 20% cut in financial support for new student places from 2016.
Opponents say the proposed cuts represent $2 billion in less funding, which they claim would severely disadvantage regional universities and students.
In another major shakeup there are also plans to deregulate fees, which essentially allows universi- ties to charge what they like for courses.
Regional Universities Network executive director Dr Caroline Perkins, who appeared before the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, said the hearing was a great forum to put forward the organisation’s views.
The committee held a series of public hearings last week in Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne.
“Unfortunately the key people, except for Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, that will ultimately decide if these reforms pass were not present at the hearing,” she said.
“It is evident Labor and the Greens will not support the proposal, so it was disappointing not to see any crossbenchers present.”
Dr Perkins said the organisation supported as- pects of the reform proposals, but would like to see regional universities compensated in the process.
She said regional universities had to tackle low demand and low population densities compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
“Regional universities operate in a thin market and we are strongly arguing for an adjustment fund,” she said.
“We believe there should be some sort of compensation for regional universities built into the reform package.
“We are not in a position to compete with metropolitan universities.”
Education Minister Christopher Pyne said he was buoyed by the various constructive suggestions made at the hearings.
“I am delighted that so many respected individuals and organisations have affirmed the importance of the legislation and supported its intent,” he said.
“I have keenly listened to each of the submissions and the various suggestions for strengthening the reform package. The reforms will ensure Australian students can get the best higher education in the world.”
Committee member and opposition Higher Education Minister Kim Carr said the submissions and evidence presented at the hearings built a picture of a two-tier university system that would emerge under the proposal.
The Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee must deliver its recommendations on the proposed Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill later this month.