ALP set to review shonky RTS

CAPA applauds Labor's acknowledgement that the Research Training Scheme (RTS) needs revising, in order to modify the criteria under which university research places are allocated and to shift the emphasis back to research quality rather than quantity.

"It is refreshing to see a review of the RTS considered as a vital component of any national research strategy. This Government has failed to address the potentially discriminatory inequities of the RTS and the loss of 3500 higher degree places incurred by its implementation" said the CAPA President Ms Leisa Ridges.

"Given that 50-60% of research within Universities is undertaken by postgraduate research students and that up to 80% of Australia's total research output comes from Universities, funding of higher degree research places is a vital component of any national research strategy" continued Ms Ridges.

CAPA supports Labor's calls for the urgent improvement of participation by socially disadvantaged groups in higher degree research and the proposals for increasing the number of commonwealth funded ARC Research Fellowships in an attempt to amend the drastic shortfall in research and academic employment opportunities for higher degree graduates.

"Labor's proposal to establish a new category of Australian Postgraduate Award targeted at regional research projects is welcomed, however CAPA has grave concerns that without additional postgraduate awards, which are necessary for re-building the pool of talented research graduates, this scheme may be ineffective," said Ms Ridges.

Ms Ridges continued "the Opposition have given lip-service to greater public research investment, but no commitment. They show an interest in expanding the APA(I) program, the movement of students out into industry, enhancing the research output of private sector facilities with students being funded by industry dollars".

"However, private investment and enhanced industry input into University research projects does not come without difficulties. It alone will not be enough to improve Australia's long term research efforts. A dedicated vision of greater public investment must be an integral component of any research plan" said Ms Ridges.

CAPA welcomes Labor's invitation to engage in discussion on developing and implementing a national research strategy.