VET & TAFE campusreview. com. au
Line by line
Now that the‘ dull’ budget has been announced, here’ s a look at the good and the bad.
By Rod Camm
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Tony Abbott promised a dull and routine budget and, from the perspective of the private higher education and training sector, the government has certainly delivered on that promise. That is not to take away from the important priorities funded as part of the government’ s $ 37.282 billion education and training expenditure; rather, it means we knew most of them were coming. And after what has been a hectic 12 months of intense debate about the future of Australian higher education and the vocational education and training( VET) sector, I may not be alone in welcoming the lack of surprise.
Budget 2015 – 16 may not offer much that’ s new for public or private tertiary providers, but the Abbott Government’ s commitment to deregulation of higher education remains, as does its commitment to improving quality educational and student outcomes across the VET sector – both of which are welcomed.
A fair go for all The education and training minister, Christopher Pyne, remains determined to fix the impasse that has caused legislation to deregulate university fees voted down twice in the Senate. Pyne is pushing on with the higher education reforms first flagged last year. It’ s a brave move, given the apparent determined opposition to the proposed measures by the Senate cross-benchers – one that could trigger a double dissolution election. Political theatrics aside, it’ s vital the current impasse is resolved as soon as possible. The uncertainty is unworkable for all providers and students. Despite the emotion and occasional hostility in the debate, there remain areas of common ground. The future of our sector, and that of current and future students, demands that we find a way.
I’ m pleased to see federal Budget 2015 – 16 plans to extend Commonwealth Supported Places( CSPs) to diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees, increasing the capacity, flexibility and opportunity of our tertiary education system to respond to the needs of students across the country, including in regional areas where existing tertiary options are limited or nonexistent. In a budget we are told is all about fairness, it’ s right that we should see students who choose to study with non-university providers treated equally. Why should they be penalised for their particular circumstances and aspirations?
The other welcome measure delivering fairness is the proposed elimination of the 25 per cent additional
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