* Bill introduced into the Federal Parliament this week by Independent MP, Cathy McGowan to establish a Regional, Rural and Remote Education Commissioner.

* Bill progresses the recommendations and actions outlines in the Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education, authored by Emeritus Professor John Halsey.

* The Bill establishes a national focus for education, training and research to enhance access, outcomes and opportunities in regional Australia.

Charles Sturt University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann today welcomed the Bill before the Federal Parliament to establish a Regional, Rural and Remote Education Commissioner.

The Bill titled, Regional, Rural and Remote Education Commissioner Bill 2018 was introduced into the Federal Parliament by Independent MP, Cathy McGowan.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann said the Bill highlights the importance of regional universities and the need to enhance education and opportunities in regional Australia.

“Charles Sturt University has a vision and commitment to transform the lives of more regional students and their communities. The appointment of a Regional, Rural and Remote Education Commissioner will support this drive,” Professor Vann said.

This Bill will establish a national focus for education, training and research to drive access outcomes and opportunities in regional Australia.

The Commissioner will have a number of responsibilities from advising Ministers about education, training and research to providing strategies to support the role of educational institutions in developing regional economies, sustaining economic growth and supporting employment in regional, rural and remote Australia.

“Regional universities play a unique role in developing regional economies and contributing to the social and cultural development of their regions. They act as an anchor for investment and workforce development,” Professor Vann said.

“Three-quarters of students who study at regional universities stay in regional areas after they graduate. Regional universities and vocational education providers educate the future regional workforce and help to grow and stabilise the population of regional Australia,” Professor Vann added.

“Charles Sturt University is a proud provider of education across regional, rural and remote Australia and the implementation of a Commissioner would ensure our students are not forgotten,” Professor Vann concluded.