The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) is encouraged by the Opposition’s higher education policy announcement today which recognises the value of higher education and invests in the students of Australia.
A commitment to fund the existing system and to develop policy through consultation with higher education stakeholders, including student groups, are important steps towards ensuring stability and certainty for Australia’s Higher Education System.
“An approach to funding which focuses on the outputs and outcomes of higher education must be informed by evidence, it is good to see initiatives such as a productivity and performance commission which can put a focus on the collection, dissemination and use of data to inform policy and decision making’ said the National President Harry Rolf.
“Policy that recognises the value of higher education to the economy, and the value of education to students is important. Improving access and completion rates for students from disadvantaged backgrounds is critical if it is to drive social mobility”.
“But a comprehensive plan will need to pay attention to all parts of the system. Pathways and preparation for higher education, into research training and research also need to be looked at if issues like retention, employability and the diverse career pathways of students are to be dealt with”. Concluded Mr Rolf.
CAPA hopes that the announcement today will be the start of a positive national conversation about investment in higher education. CAPA looks forward to contributing towards the development of a comprehensive plan for Australia’s higher education system.
Attachment: MEDIA RELEASE Towards a comprehensive plan for Australia’s higher education system
Harry Rolf | National President | president@capa.edu.au
Caitlin Bruty | Media Officer | media@capa.edu.au
