CAPA Media Releases

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has responded positively to measures announced today in the 2008-2009 Federal Budget, however a number of missed opportunities have marred an otherwise auspicious start on the road to an education revolution.

Figures released today by The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) show that for the first time the stipend rate for Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) will slip below the poverty line by the end of 2008.

“These figures spell out what research postgraduates already know – that the basic stipend rate for the APA is, by itself, simply not enough to live on” CAPA President, Nigel Palmer said.

Want to play a key role in higher education through research?

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) is looking to develop its capacity to respond to government reviews and inquiries, and continue to play a leading role in setting the agenda on postgraduate issues.

We are calling for expressions of interest from talented aspiring and experienced researchers to support our activities through collaborative and project based research.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s discussion paper on the impact of the former government’s “VSU” legislation.

“The discussion paper opens the way for the new government to stand by its commitment to ensuring quality student services and representation on campus,” 2008 CAPA President Nigel Palmer said.

CAPA’s 2007 report, The Impact of VSU on Postgraduate Students, highlighted postgraduates as among the groups most disadvantaged by the impact of VSU.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) welcomes the outcome of the 2007 Federal Election. “We look forward to working with Labor to rebuild the higher education sector, to support the promise of an education revolution, and to ensure that Australia remains a leader of innovation and research, in the sciences, in the humanities and in the arts. There will be many opportunities for the new Labor government to demonstrate “new leadership”.

A report card on the higher education policies of the Coalition and Labor parties released by university staff and students on Tuesday has failed the Howard Government for its record on universities.

The report card, prepared by National Tertiary Education Union, the National Union of Students and the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, awarded Labor a pass on the basis of the well targeted but limited commitments announced during the campaign and its stated commitment to build on these in office.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has welcomed higher education policy announcements issued today by The Greens. “Taking action on Indigenous participation, a focus on university communities (fixing VSU) and the plight of casually employed teaching and research staff are highlights of The Greens’ Higher Education policy released today” CAPA President, Nigel Palmer said.

CAPA welcomes the long term vision found in The Greens Higher Education Policy. Other significant policy statements outlined by The Greens today include:

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has applauded higher education policy announcements by the ALP today. “The higher education sector needs a long term vision to reverse 11 years of neglect. All of the opposition parties have now made pubic investment in education a priority. The ALP have confirmed the link between education, equity, opportunity and long term prosperity in Australia” CAPA President, Nigel Palmer said.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has welcomed calls by both the Group of Eight Universities (Go8) and the Australian Technology Network (ATN) to boost the number of domestic PhD places, increase the number of and rates for research stipends, and provide better support and opportunities for postgraduates and early career researchers.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) welcomes the VSU Impact Study released by Australian University Sport (AUS) and the Australasian Campus Union Managers’ Association (ACUMA).