Funding of the Australian higher education sector over the last decade has been an ongoing issue for universities, according to Charles Sturt University's (CSU) acting Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Professor Lyn Gorman.

 

Professor Gorman was commenting on recent calls from across the higher education sector for significant increases in public funding for universities.

 

“There is clearly a range of funding and related issues that need to be discussed,” Professor Gorman said.

 

“Certainly matters such as the level of funding for Commonwealth places and the extent of federal funding for research infrastructure are of great concern.

 

“However, CSU believes that it is very important for all universities to remember that higher education is just one of the priorities facing the new Rudd Labor Government.

 

“Calls for increased funding for universities must be balanced against other pressing issues such as improving health services and health outcomes, securing Australia’s food and water supplies for the long term, and delivering better outcomes in early childhood education.

 

“The new Federal Government will need to assess the many issues facing our communities in order to decide its funding program for the 2008 budget. It is important, in my view, that universities contribute to this broader discussion rather than just push a narrow sectoral position.

 

“CSU had productive discussions with ministers in the new Government while they were in Opposition, and CSU will be looking to work with the Rudd Government and our communities during 2008 and beyond to address the vital issues facing inland Australia.

 

“These include strategies to improve retention of health professionals in inland Australia, utilising senior student practitioners more effectively in the delivery of allied health services in inland communities, ensuring long term water and food security, and addressing the shortfall of agricultural professionals and agricultural research in inland areas.

 

“Given the significant success CSU has had in past years training the next generation of inland professionals in pharmacy, nursing, teaching, and veterinary sciences, a key talking point for CSU and the Government will be how to bolster the role of inland institutions like CSU to redress national skills shortages in rural areas,” Professor Gorman said.