Student affordability suffers as cuts risk access and quality

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the measures announced by Education Minister Simon Birmingham on Monday night put at risk access and quality of education and research.

“As Victoria’s top university for satisfied students for seven years running, Deakin is downcast that the Federal Government will make students pay more,” Professor den Hollander said.

“As the national debate continues about housing affordability, we should improve – not worsen – affordability and access, particularly for people in outer metropolitan suburbs and regional Australia. Increasing students’ share of the cost of their degree, and lowering the loan repayment threshold to just above the minimum wage are unhelpful deterrents for a nation that needs skilled people.

“The further proposed cuts of $2.8 billion to the higher education sector are at odds with the Federal Government’s own agenda to lift Australia’s capacity for innovation, jobs, and fostering home-grown talent.

“Deakin’s Geelong Innovation Precinct has researchers at the bleeding edge of global research in the automotive industry, textiles, aerospace, intelligent systems and medical technologies. The cumulative impact of funding cuts means we may have to slow down at the precise time we should be moving faster.”

Professor den Hollander welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to stop its cuts to the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) and legislate for the allocation of $985 for each student from a financially disadvantaged background.

“HEPPP matters because it says something about us all and our nation,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Improving equity in education is not only fair, but essential so we can build the diverse skilled workforce Australia needs to survive and thrive in a digitally enabled and hyper-connected knowledge economy. The payment will help Deakin continue to support those students who need some extra help to realise their dream to go to university.”

Deakin, having called for it in its submission to the Higher Education Options Paper, welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to extend uncapped financial support to associate degree and other sub-bachelor courses, which provide students - particularly those living in regional areas – a vital pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

In other measures, Professor den Hollander said she thinks there could be devil in the detail of the proposal to tie 7.5 per cent of university funding for student places to university ‘accountability’ and ‘performance’.

“Providing life-changing opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities must be carefully considered in the development of this proposal, as should the already rigorous framework of accountability for Australia's universities.”