Joint media release by Universities Australia and the University Chancellors Council (UCC): Review of Higher Education Discussion Paper welcomed
Universities Australia and the University Chancellors' Council welcomed the release of the much anticipated Review of Higher Education Review Discussion Paper by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment, Workplace Relations, and Social Inclusion, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP in Sydney today.
The Discussion Paper's release coincides with a joint Universities Australia-University Chancellors' Council meeting which Acting Prime Minister Gillard attended today.
Universities Australia Chair Professor Richard Larkins AO and University Chancellors' Council Chair Mr John Phillips AO said that Vice-Chancellors and Chancellors were pleased that the Discussion Paper puts on the table a range of key issues and options for sustaining our universities into the future.
"The discussion paper recognises the substantial contributions our universities make not only to the economy, but also to social, environmental and cultural fabric of the nation," Professor Larkins said.
"The discussion paper focusses on developing a vision for the higher education sector that includes a distinctive group of globally competitive Australian universities," Mr Phillips said.
"Both Universities Australia and the University Chancellors' Council are encouraged that neither the Government nor the Review Committee has presented pre-formed views in the Discussion Paper. This should allow all relevant stakeholders to engage productively in shaping the future of Australia's universities," Mr Phillips said.
"The review also provides the opportunity to address the core issues of adequately investing in teaching; supporting the full cost of research including administrative infrastructure for research grants; and student income support and student services," Professor Larkins said.
"Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors support the Government's broad objectives of diversity, choice and the highest quality in our higher education system, and welcome the transparent and consultative approach signalled by the Acting Prime Minister and the Review Chair Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC from the outset of this review," Mr Phillips said.
"Universities Australia and the University Chancellors' Council look forward to working with Minister Gillard and Professor Bradley for effective outcomes from the Review for the long-term benefit not only of universities, their students and staff, but for the Australian community at large," Professor Larkins said.
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