The 2007 Federal Budget has delivered increased investment in a number of key areas for the university sector.
President of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) Professor Gerard Sutton said that it was pleasing that the Government has delivered on Prime Minister John Howard's statement earlier in the year that increased investment in universities was on the Governments agenda.
"The Australian Government through this Budget has shown its commitment to investing in Australia's universities today, to ensure we continue to produce high quality, work ready graduates and researchers into the future," Professor Sutton said.
"This Budget delivers on the three key areas that the AVCC has been lobbying for:
- Increased student assistance
- Increasing dollars per student place in many bands
- the $5 billion Higher Education Endowment Fund more than meets the request for additional capital works and research facility funding.
"This Budget and the Higher Education Endowment Fund is forward-looking and ensures the quality of Australia's universities and their international competitiveness.
"This year's Budget is an important step towards achieving the AVCC's blueprint for ensuring Australia is internationally competitive, domestically strong and innovative," Professor Sutton said.
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