6 June 2018: The University of Canberra welcomes the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to significantly invest in education, innovation and research, as outlined in the 2018/19 ACT Budget, to consolidate Canberra as a leading education city.
During the annual ACT Budget Breakfast held today at the National Press Club, University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini said it was great to see the government acknowledge the significant contribution of the tertiary education sector to the ACT economy.
“Canberra is fortunate in having two strong universities, the University of Canberra and the Australian National University, delivering high-quality outputs in education and research,” Professor Saini said. “Together, these institutions contribute more than $3 billion to the local economy.
“We look forward to being a major driver for Canberra as a knowledge economy and continuing to address the workforce and skill needs of key sectors in the Territory.”
The Budget identified public administration, health care, professional scientific and technical services, construction, and education and training as its top five industries.
“It is encouraging to see that the workforce needs of the ACT align with disciplines taught at the University of Canberra, where we are preparing the professionals of the future, as outlined in our Strategic Plan 2018-22,” Professor Saini said.
Professor Saini said it was pleasing to see a strong investment in innovation programs, such as the $9.8 million investment in the Priority Investment Program over the next four years.
“These grants will enable further collaboration between research and industry to foster innovation and we look forward to taking part in some of these projects,” he said.
Professor Saini also said that the University of Canberra is “delighted to partner with the ACT Government in the $9.2 million Future of Education strategy which will be rolled out over the next four years to strengthen ACT’s teacher capability in teaching literacy and numeracy as well as contribute to initial teacher education and research-informed professional learning.”
The University also applauded the ACT Government’s commitment to promote gender equality in the ACT.
“This is a commitment shared by the University which has been named an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for 11 years in a row. We are one of only two organisations in the ACT to be recognised for our efforts in this area,” Professor Saini said.
He also welcomed the Government’s $2.2 million investment over the next three years to boost Canberra’s promotion as a great place to live, work, study, invest and visit.
“These efforts, paired with excellent education and research delivered by our higher education institutions, as well as an increase in job opportunities, will make Canberra a very attractive destination for national and international students and academics.”
Professor Saini was one of the leading community representatives responding to the 2018/19 ACT Budget presented by Chief Minister and Treasurer Mr Andrew Barr MLA at the breakfast event.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919