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University General Staff Awards
Senate inquiry into higher ed reforms announced
26 June 2003
The Senate today (Thursday 26, 2003) resolved to launch an inquiry into the Howard Government's radical higher education package, announced in this year's Federal Budget.
Shadow Minister for Science and Research Senator Kim Carr said: "There is much that the Senate and the Australian people do not know about the Government's higher education package.
"However everyone knows the value of education, and it is critical that the benefits are spread evenly through the community.
"One in two Australians go to university at some time in their lives. The opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a good education is a matter of concern for all Australians.
"The University of Sydney has flagged the possibility of raising their fees by 30 per cent.
"This may well price many Australians out of an education.
"Labor will stand up for a fair go and a quality degree for all.
"The review had been referred to the Employment, Workplace Relations and Education References Committee for report by October 30.
"The membership of the committee will be announced later today.
"Submissions are invited, with a mid-August deadline. Hearings of the committee will be conducted around the nation, with a hearing schedule to be announced later.
Terms of reference:
EMPLOYMENT, WORKPLACE RELATIONS AND EDUCATION REFERENCES COMMITTEE--REFERENCE
Senator Carr, also on behalf of Senator Stott Despoja amended his notice of motion by leave and, pursuant to notice of motion not objected to as a formal motion, moved business of the Senate notice of motion no. 5--That the following matter be referred to the Employment, Workplace Relations and Education References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 October 2003:
The Government's proposed budget changes to higher education, with particular reference to:
(a) the principles of the Government's higher education package;
(b) the effect of these proposals upon sustainability, quality, equity and diversity in teaching and research at universities, with particular reference to:
(i) the financial impact on students, including merit selection, income support and international comparisons,
(ii) the financial impact on universities, including the impact of the Commonwealth Grants Scheme, the differential impact of fee deregulation, the expansion of full fee places and comparable international levels of government investment, and
(iii) the provision of fully funded university places, including provision for labour market needs, skill shortages and regional equity, and the impact of the 'learning entitlement';
(c) the implications of such proposals on the sustainability of research and research training in public research agencies;
(d) the effect of this package on the relationship between the Commonwealth, the States and universities, including issues of institutional autonomy, governance, academic freedom and industrial relations; and
(e) alternative policy and funding options for the higher education and public research sectors.
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