The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) would like to thank the Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie and the Nick Xenophon Team for their willingness to stand with universities and reject funding cuts however we are still gravely concerned about the decreased HELP repayment threshold.
We ask crossbenchers to reject the Higher Education Legislation entirely and, instead, join us in asking for real reform. It is clear that a strong higher education sector provides educational, economic and cultural benefits to the entire country. The international rankings confirm Australia’s standing in education and research but this bill puts that standing and these benefits on shaky ground.
Real reform is possible in Higher Education, we only have to look at the Watt and ACOLA reviews into research training to see that it can be done right when done together. But reform requires the Federal Government to stop looking at Higher Education as a quick budget fix and start looking at the sector as a long-term national priority.
CAPA will continue to reach out to Senators, many of whom have expressed their desire to see reform that can benefit everyone and not just cuts.
CAPA National President Peter Derbyshire Says:
“It is clear that when it comes to universities, the crossbenchers, like much of the sector want REAL reform and not just random thought bubbles.”
“The benefits of universities extend beyond education. They provide jobs for rural communities, and providing significant economic benefits to the nation. Senators from Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales should be doing everything to protect universities given the benefits seen in these states.”
“It is not as if the sector is averse to reform as long as it is REAL reform and is about what is best for the sector and not just a cost-cutting exercise”
END
For Comment: CAPA National President Peter Derbyshire
M: 0435 047 817
E: president@capa.edu.au
