CAPA Media Releases

Postgrads cautiously welcome “VSU” fix

Nigel Palmer — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:31:40 +1100

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) cautiously welcomed the announcement today from Minister for Youth and Sport, Kate Ellis, of measures to address the impact of the former Federal Government’s “VSU” legislation.

Compulsory fee reintroduced

On measures announced today, universities would be able to charge students a compulsory fee of up to $250 per year as early as July 1 2009. Students would have the option of deferring the fee to a HECS-style loan scheme.

Welcome Reforms for Research Education

Nigel Palmer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:23:27 +1000

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) welcomes the release today of an Interim Report from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Innovation on the Inquiry into Research Training and Research Workforce Issues in Australian Universities.

Postgraduates and Higher Education 2008

Nigel Palmer — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:34:25 +1000

The stage is set for a series of important reforms in higher education, with a range of reports due between now and the end of the year.

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has published a summary of important developments for postgraduate students in an Issues Paper released today.

2008 Federal Budget: Promises Honoured, Opportunities Missed

Nigel Palmer — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:56:11 +1000

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.

APAs to Break Poverty Line

Nigel Palmer — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:05:04 +1000

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.

Call for expressions of interest

Nigel Palmer — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +1000

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.

Discussion Paper Opens Way to Address VSU Impact

Nigel Palmer — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:32:21 +1100

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.

2007 Federal Election Outcome: Room for Hope

Nigel Palmer — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:52:24 +1100

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”.

Higher Education Report Card for the 2007 Federal Election

Nigel Palmer — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:05:55 +1100

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.

CAPA Welcomes Greens’ Vision for Higher Ed

Nigel Palmer — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:01:00 +1100

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: