NORTHERN TERRITORY UNIVERSITY: VITAL TO THE TERRITORY ECONOMY
V169/97 28 August 1997
Regional universities like the NTU not only increase education opportunities but can also drive development, Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, said today.
Senator Vanstone was speaking in the debate on the Higher Education Funding Amendment Bill.
The bill includes provision for $26 million to be spent on rationalisation and restructuring projects in Australian universities.
"The Northern Territory University is a vital part of the economic infrastructure of the NT," Senator Vanstone said.
"Without it, access to benefits of higher education would be severely restricted.
The Minister for Education, Mr Adamson, and the Chief Minister, Mr Stone, have argued a very persuasive case for the University.
"Support for regional universities is a vital part of the Government’s higher education policy.
"The Government has taken steps to encourage restructuring which can make regional institutions more efficient and competitive and established a $26 million special fund to help universities with this task.
"The needs of regional universities will be given particular consideration, and they have already offered a number of interesting and innovative proposals.
"The funds from the Higher Education Funding Amendment Bill will allow projects that will strengthen the viability of regional institutions like the NTU.
" The NTU is a provider of quality education in the Northern Territory and it will be able to apply for this fund."
Further information: Christian Kerr, Minister’s Office, 02 6277 7460
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