Government committed to education reform

17 Mar 2015 Media release

Higher education reform is crucial for Australia's future. It is essential that Australian students get the world-class education they deserve and remain competitive internationally.

Everyone serious about higher education knows that the current situation for universities is unsustainable and that more strength is needed in the system.

All higher education groups have supported reform and senior Labor figures including Peter Beattie, Gareth Evans, John Dawkins, and Maxine McKew have joined them.

These reforms have huge benefits for students from all walks of life. They extend opportunity and ensure there are enough places for students who would otherwise not get into university. They are fair because they treat higher education students in TAFEs and colleges the same as university students. They keep our universities’ quality high, so they can offer students the best possible education.

Few dispute that without reform, Australia's higher education system will steadily decline.

We will therefore bring back the higher education reform package for the Parliament to consider. We will not give up. This reform is too important.

We will continue to work with Senators and others who wish to be part of a constructive discussion.

Labor have blocked a Budget bill for base political purposes; worse, they offer no viable alternative. They have run a scare campaign that shows they mistrust universities, have a “Canberra knows best” attitude and disdain the sector’s record for fairness. Their own record is woeful. In Government they cut, cut and cut universities to the tune of $6.6 billion.

I have called on Labor to engage seriously on this vital matter to achieve the reform they know is needed for Australian higher education. I repeat: work with the Government to achieve reform to secure our system. My door remains open.

We will not give up on ensuring that Australia has the higher education system it needs - the best in the world. Great reform takes time.