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Media Release
Minister announces financial support for RQF
18 December 2006
The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced more than $87 million in financial support for the implementation of the first cycle of the new Research Quality Framework (RQF).
“The Australian Government recognises that there will be implementation costs associated with the adjustment to the new RQF system,” Minister Bishop said.
“That is why the Australian Government is providing direct financial assistance to the higher education sector to support the management of the assessment process and the development of a new information management system.”
Of the $87.3 million being allocated for implementation of the RQF project, $41.9 million will be provided to universities to implement the first cycle of the RQF. This programme funding will be provided over three years, commencing in 2007-08, and includes:
- $16.4 million - Implementation Assistance Programme - to assist universities in meeting the costs of implementing the new requirements for data gathering; and
- $25.5 million - Australian Scheme for Higher Education Repositories programme - to assist with the establishment of university digital data storage systems that will allow research outputs to be submitted for RQF assessment. This programme builds on the Australian Government’s $35 million investment in the research and development of data repository technology, funded as part of Backing Australia’s Ability.
The remainder of the funding will be utilised for preparatory work for the RQF in 2007 and for implementation in 2008, including:
pre-implementation trials; discipline specific workshops; preparation and distribution of RQF guidelines and panel specific guidelines; continuing consultation with the sector; and remuneration of reference committee members and assessment panel chairs and assessors.
The Minister announced the Government’s decision to implement the RQF last month, in a move that will restructure the current quantitative based research funding scheme to one which evaluates research based on quality and impact.
Further information about the RQF, IAP, ASHER and Assessment Panels is available at http://www.dest.gov.au/research/rqf
Media Contacts:
Minister Bishop’s Office: Murray Hansen 0417 886 155
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Media Unit (02) 6240 7300
Non-media queries 1300 363 079
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