Fed: AVCC gives green light to big uni reform deal

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2003
Fed: AVCC gives green light to big uni reform deal

CANBERRA, Dec 5 AAP - The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC), which gave
crucial advice to key cross-bench senators, said today a deal struck on the higher education
reform package gave it acceptable form.

Agreement between the government and the four senators last night has paved the way
for passage of the Higher Education Support Bill today.

It would allow a 25 per cent increase in fees for HECS courses, an extra $2.4 billion
into the system over five years, more full-fee-paying places and an increased HECS repayment
threshold.

"It is good news for our staff, it gives certainty, it puts new money into our system,
it's good news for our students," AVCC president Deryck Schreuder told ABC radio.

"The equity provisions are very significant indeed and I believe it's very good news
for our community.

"It turns around the resourcing of universities to ensure we really are internationally
competitive."

Professor Schreuder said he could live with a component of the package which would
see increased ministerial discretion over what courses were suitable to be funded.

"Ideally we would be happy not to have it there but I think this is a good way of dealing
with it," he said.

AAP dep/sco/de

KEYWORD: UNIVERSITIES AVCC

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.