Higher education budget appropriate to the times

Deakin University's Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Clarke said today that the Federal budget for higher education was appropriate to the times. "Deakin University is pleased to see that many of the key of initiatives in the budget are aligned with Deakin's Strategic Plan, and welcomes the introduction of the demand driven entitlement system for domestic students," said Professor Clarke.

Professor Clarke said that the budget was outcomes focused and has promised reviews of the basis for funding regional education and funding for innovative local education solutions, especially those linked to industry and to access and equity opportunities.

"Deakin is also well-known for supporting equity and access targets and is strong in teaching and nursing and notes the additional funding in these areas. A range of measures to improve student income support, including the extension of Austudy to master's degree by coursework students is especially welcomed," said Professor Clarke.

He said that the budget's focus on and additional funding for sustainable research excellence, joint research engagement and collaborative research networks sits well with Deakin's own strong positioning in this area. A new framework for Excellence in Research in Australia is welcomed.

"Overall," Professor Clarke said, "this is a budget which is appropriate to the times and underpins Deakin's aspirations and strategic plan."