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MEDIA RELEASE
HIGHER EDUCATION REVIEW
12 September 2002 MIN 172/02
Tomorrow is the final day for public submissions in response to
the seven discussion papers I have issued to inform the Review of
Higher Education.
Australia’s universities are not in crisis, but they do require
reform if we are to provide the best educational, social and
economic outcomes for the nation.
Australia’s 37 publicly funded universities receive $6.4 billion
dollars in public funds (including HECS fees) and another $4 billion
in private income from international students, fee paying domestic
students and commercial activities.
University revenues have increased by $2 billion since 1995, but
so have the demands.
There are 56,000 more students attending Australian universities
than there were in 1995.
The number of eligible students missing out on a place has
dropped from about 100,000 in 1992 to 18,000 this year (Australian
Vice Chancellors Committee).
Beginning with Higher Education at the Crossroads,
released in April, the discussion papers have canvassed issues
relating to finance, specialisation, diversity, regional engagement,
governance, research, Indigenous access and the interface with
vocational education and training.
Over 400 groups and individuals have made well thought out
contributions - submissions which have been enormously helpful in
guiding the process and mapping the boundaries as we have progressed
through this year.
I have noted and welcomed submissions from groups such as the
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry
Group, the National Tertiary Education Union and the National Union
of Students.
Three Labor State Governments put aside political point scoring
and offered constructive submissions.
The Review has been further informed by a series of forums held
around Australia. Forty-nine meetings have been held and more than
800 people have been able to explore options for Australian’s higher
education system in focus group discussions.
I would like to thank all those who have contributed and engaged
so constructively in this process.
I would also like to thank the officers of the Department of
Education Science and Training who have been working on this review
and the Review team, headed by Mr Bob Goddard who was seconded from
the Australian Vice Chancellor’s Committee.
| For further information: |
| Dr Nelson’s Office: |
|
Ross Hampton |
|
0419 484 095 |
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