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Media Release
Review of University Reforms19 December 2006 The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced the commencement of a review into the impact of reforms on the higher education sector. “This review is consistent with the Howard Government’s commitment to ensure the efficient, transparent operation of the higher education sector and, through it, delivery of quality, and internationally competitive, accessible education for our students.” Minister Bishop said that the Department of Education, Science and Training will undertake the review, which will investigate the impact on the higher education sector of the higher education reforms enacted through the Act and the 2003 Our Universities: Backing Australia’s Future reform package. It will be conducted during 2007 and 2008 and will be overseen by an Interdepartmental Steering Committee, chaired by the Department of Education, Science and Training, with membership from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Treasury and the Department of Finance and Administration. “Consultation will be undertaken with higher education providers, peak bodies, professional organisations and other interested parties, including via submissions,” Minister Bishop said. “Independent, external consultants may be engaged to assist with consultation and examination of technical issues.” Given the scope of the reforms enacted through the Act, the issues to be considered will be structured into phases, with consultation and research targeted to the issues being considered in each phase. Discussion papers will be released covering the issues to be considered in each phase and comments will be sought from the sector through structured consultation. “The review will report to me, and may be used to inform consideration of further reforms to the relationship between the Government and higher education providers. “To commence the first phase of the review, I am releasing a discussion paper inviting submissions until 26 February 2007 on: the current discipline groupings and relativities within the cluster funding mechanism; and the pipeline arrangements for the funding of new Commonwealth supported places. “I will announce priorities for the next phases of the review in due course,” Minister Bishop said. The discussion paper is available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/policy_issues_reviews/reviews/HESA_review/default.htm
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