[Greens-Media] Budget leaves universities and students in debt.

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

09.05.06

GREENS EDUCATION BUDGET COMMENT

Budget leaves universities and students in debt.

Education is the big loser in this year's budget with the government
delivering a blue print for decline in the university sector.

The university sector is facing a double whammy with declining
government core funding and declining student fee income according to
Greens Education Spokesperson Senator Kerry Nettle.

"The government should be investing at least $3bn in additional funding
annually in core funding instead it is creating $100,000 student debts
and dabbling in one off projects.

"This budget does nothing to address the elephant in the living room of
higher education funding - the threat of declining overseas enrolments.

"The good times of high overseas enrolments will not last for ever. This
budget fails to invest in the future sustainability of the university
sector.

"Some smaller, probably regional, universities will have to close in the
next decade unless long term funding sustainability is assured. There is
nothing in today's budget that recognises that problem.

"Increasing the amount a domestic student can borrow through FEE-HELP
will increase fees levels, increase student debt but will not replace
income lost from a future decline in overseas student numbers. 

"This budget ushers in a period of astronomical student debt as a higher
proportion of students leave university with six figure debts.

"The $81.6m to soften the impact of voluntary student unionism is too
little to protect student services in all universities."

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146