Media Releases 2008

5 December 2008

Universities Australia welcomes Nation-building Funds legislation

Universities Australia welcomes the passage of the Nation-building Funds Bill 2008 through Parliament. The Education Investment Fund (EIF), which is part of the Nation-building Funds legislation, will make available much needed infrastructure funding to the higher education sector.

“Australian investment in the productive capacity of our nation will ensure sustainable growth, and universities deliver on this and more,” Universities Australia CEO, Dr Glenn Withers said today.

“For over a decade Australian universities have struggled to maintain adequate infrastructure under the pressure of tightening government funding, and this Bill gives access to public investment in universities for the future of the Australian society and the economy,” Dr Withers said.

“Universities have a backlog of nation-building projects that will build the knowledge economy, and the fast-tracking of this fund will enable growth to commence quickly in 2009. Projects eligible for funding under the EIF will support skills, productivity, exports, and enhance opportunities for all Australians,” Dr Withers said.

“Universities also look forward to involvement in projects under the Health and Hospitals Fund and the Building Australia Fund,” Dr Withers said.

In its submission to the Senate Economics Committee Inquiry relating to the Bill, Universities Australia expressed the view that infrastructure projects should be of national significance; and that the legislation and guidelines for the EIF should ensure that State and Territory governments do not step back from their ongoing responsibilities to fund vocational education and training.

“Universities Australia is fully supportive of transparency and accountability, and appropriate evaluation and decision procedures for projects funded through the EIF. These checks and balances are part of the Nation-building Funds legislation,” Dr Withers said.

-ENDS-

Media Inquiries Rebecca Harris – phone: (02) 6285 8106 or 0400 1666911