NSW: Mixed reaction to tertiary reform package

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2003
NSW: Mixed reaction to tertiary reform package

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - The federal government's higher education reform package today
received a mixed response from NSW tertiary institutions.

While the University of Newcastle and Charles Sturt University (CSU) have welcomed
it, the University of Western Sydney (UWS) has accused the federal government of turning
its back on the educational needs of western Sydney.

UWS vice-chancellor Janice Reid said the package included some important concessions
for students but would leave the university more than $10 million worse off in the first
three years after factoring in wage rises and inflation.

"UWS will go backwards in real terms financially, while other much wealthier institutions
stand to receive a major funding boost as a result of this package," Professor Reid said.

CSU vice-chancellor Ian Goulter said the amendments which came through the Senate were
the most important reform to the sector in recent times.

Professor Goulter said the university would be more realistically funded for its course
profile and welcomed the raising of the HECS repayment threshold to $36,184.

"The university welcomes the extended equity scholarships and provisions," he said.

"Additional funds to CSU from the Regional Loading Grant will be beneficial to the
university's multi-campus structure."

The University of Newcastle also welcomed the increased HECS repayment threshold.

The university's vice-chancellor Professor Roger Holmes said the package would give
the institution funding security and growth opportunities.

"The amendments also included the linking of the $404 million base funding to Australian
Workplace Agreements. Universities may now offer workplace agreements but are not required
to do so," he said.

AAP kd/kbw/hu/br

KEYWORD: UNIVERSITIES NSW

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