The $2.3 billion funding cuts to higher education announced unexpectedly by the Federal Government to fund school education reforms are short-sighted and unwise according to Charles Sturt University (CSU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Vann. 

 

“Whilst we are supportive of the Gonski reforms, it really seems illogical to undermine current higher education students to pay for future ones,” he said.   

 

“It is particularly disturbing that this has been portrayed as an ‘efficiency dividend’ when review after review commissioned by this government has confirmed that universities are already underfunded.  It also comes on top of cuts to research and funding already announced in 2012.  It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the government regards universities as an easy target. 

 

“When we consider the challenges facing Australia, it is clear that skills and innovation are critical to our future.  We have seen in the recent announcements by Holden that our industries are under increasing pressure.  We need to rethink how we do business and skilled graduates and research are key planks in that.

 

“We also know that in the medium term graduates make a positive contribution to the economy through improved employment outcomes and productivity.  These cuts might see short-term gain but are undercutting our future prosperity.

 

“This will have a direct and significant impact on the University’s budget – we are estimating around $20 million over the forward estimates.  That will affect our ability to serve our regional communities and put increased pressure on our staff.  We know that regional universities are one of the largest employers in regional areas and this will have a disproportionate economic impact on regional communities.

 

“On top of that, about half of the cost will be borne directly by students and their families in increased costs for them.  We also know that cost is one of the key factors that prevent regional students from attending university and we are worried about the impacts on regional participation.

 

“We will of course be lobbying the government, our local members and the rural Independents on this to see if these cuts can be reversed.”