10 February 2015: Parliamentarians and leading thinkers in higher education funding will discuss viable alternatives for a sustainable higher education system at an invitation-only roundtable discussion to be held at the University of Canberra on FRIDAY.
The forum will consider the provisions in the revised Bill which is due to be debated in the House of Representatives today, and some possible alternatives for ensuring Australia retains one of the best higher education systems in the world.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker, who is convening the discussion, said the forum is designed to assist with an informed public and parliamentary debate.
"Since the Budget last year, and in my submission to the Senate Standing Committee, I have said that there needs to be a sensible and constructive discussion about reform, based on an objective review of the evidence here and overseas."
"We know that there are Members of Parliament who want more information and debate regarding these reforms, their impact on universities and graduates, and the available alternatives. This discussion will be an opportunity to discuss the breadth of the Bill and provide fresh data and perspectives for our decision-makers," he added.
The event, to be held under the Chatham House Rule, will include presentations from Professor Bruce Chapman from the Australian National University, David Phillips from Phillips KPA, and the Grattan Institute's Andrew Norton. Presenters from the University of Canberra include Ben Phillips from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM), Professor Louise Watson (a member of the 2011 Base Funding Review) and Professorial Fellow Michelle Grattan.
Mr Phillips will discuss new NATSEM data and modelling of the impact of the revised reform proposals on typical students and the Federal Budget.
"Careful consideration needs to be given to the impact of the revised Bill on the levels of student debt and the related fiscal consequences. Will the Government be left holding onto debts that students may never have the opportunity to fully repay during their working life?"
With numbers capped at 50, Senators from different parties and perspectives have confirmed their attendance. The Presidents of the National Tertiary Education Union, Jeannie Rea, and the National Union of Students, Rose Steele, will be present, as well as a representative of the National Alliance for Public Universities.
The roundtable will be held at the University of Canberra on Friday 13 February 2015.
- Professor Parker and Mr Phillips are available for interview prior to the roundtable. Opportunities for interview following the meeting will be confirmed at a later date.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415