Media Releases 2007

12 October 2007

Equity and access to university a top order issue

Universities Australia is delighted by the announcement today of the establishment of a National Centre for Student Equity In Higher Education by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop.

Universities Australia spokesperson on equity and access to university, Professor Alan Robson said that theNational Centre will complement the ongoing efforts of Universities Australia in the area.

“Universities Australia has commenced a study investigating levels of participation in university education bystudents from low socio-economic backgrounds.

“The study is focussing on three categories of students: Indigenous students, students from rural and remote regions, and students from metropolitan areas,” Professor Robson said.

“The study is looking at the current situation in Australia for students from low socio-economic backgrounds and their access to higher education and analyse the findings against international trends,” he said.

“The study was originally commissioned to help inform and drive any policy changes needed in Australia to ensure equity and access to university for all eligible students, and I believe the findings will provide very useful information to the newly established National Centre.

“Universities Australia looks forward to working with National Centre for Student Equity to ensure greater equity and provide increased access to university for eligible students from low socio-economic backgrounds,” Professor Robson said.

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