Deakin University welcomes Federal Opposition higher education statement

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander today welcomed the Federal Opposition’s statement on higher education.

“This statement helps to break the policy log jam that has afflicted the sector in recent times,” Professor den Hollander said.

“Australia has one of the best public higher education systems in the world, however we can only maintain this enviable position if government funding is adequate to the task and we have clear policy positions from the Government and the Opposition.

“Up until now the debate around higher education has been protracted and emotional and has done nothing to promote public understanding of the federal strategy and ambition for higher education in Australia and the next generation of graduates who will create the wealth and jobs of our future.

“Today is an opportunity for the debate on our future as a smart, clever and globally competitive nation to begin. Deakin University looks forward to discussing the way forward with the new Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham, the Federal Opposition and with the sector at large.”

Professor den Hollander said Deakin University supported the retention of the demand driven system that is balanced by a new focus on quality and retention and timely completions.

“We welcome the commitment in this announcement to reverse the decline in public funding in higher education,” she said.

“Deakin supports excellence in teaching and research and the benefit it provides to the communities we serve.

“In this age of digital disruption our nation depends on highly educated and skilled graduates who are able to embrace the age of smart machines and create the jobs of the future.

“We welcome this new conversation and hope it provides a framework for us to deliver the relevant, contemporary learning experience that prepares our graduates for life and careers in this rapidly changing world.”