Elitist university policy leaves regions behind

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

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18.05.04

Elitist university policy leaves regions behind


Greens Education Spokesperson, Senator Kerry Nettle, today cited a James
Cook University report on the aspirations of students and parents in
rural Australia as evidence that the Government's higher education
policies are failing regional and rural Australia.

"This report confirms The Greens' warnings that regional Australia will
lose out as a result of the government's increases in university fees
and lack of investment in rural universities," Senator Nettle said.

"Fees put people off going to university. This leads to an elitist
system where wealth is more important than talent and effort in gaining
a place at university.

"The Minister's elitist vision for our university system particularly
disadvantages rural students. 

"Relative funding cuts to regional universities mean they struggle to
offer a full range of courses. This forces more students to face the
high costs of relocation to city universities.

The report says the "material financial cost" of going to university
"was clearly a disincentive" and a "barrier strong enough to rule out
any real consideration of leaving town for further education".

"Instead of tax cuts the government should have abolished university
fees and made a lasting investment in the prosperity of the nation,
particularly regional Australia.

"The Greens lobbied for a significant increase in funding for all
universities and a regional loading to account for the extra costs those
universities face in order to supply a full range of high quality
courses.

"The government's handful of scholarships for relocation does not
address the ongoing failure of Austudy and Youth Allowance payments to
meet student's needs.

"The government should do more to enable regional student to gain the
quality education they need at regional institutions, and support those
who relocate to metropolitan universities."

Contact Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146



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