USQ welcomes investment in Higher Education
USQ has welcomed the 2007 Federal Budget, which delivers increased investment in a number of key areas for the university sector.
Professor Bill Lovegrove said it was pleasing the Government has delivered on its commitment to increase investment in Australian universities.
'The Australian Government has proven its commitment to higher education by investing in Australian universities.
'This funding ensures that Australian universities continue to produce internationally competitive graduates and top quality research,' Professor Lovegrove said.
'The budget promises to increase student assistance, and this along with the increased number of commonwealth supported scholarships will ensure that all Australians are better able to access a high quality tertiary education.'
Specifically Professor Lovegrove welcomed funding in three key areas:
- $5 billion for a Higher Education Endowment Fund to provide a perpetual source of funding for university capital works and research facilities;
- $768 million for universities to simplify and boost funding and to increase funding and enrolment flexibility;
- $222 million for increased income support for tertiary students and an extra 3,500 Commonwealth scholarships.
'One of the University's primary aims is to create a flexible and responsive environment that adapts to the diversity of our student body.
'The Federal Government's commitment to increasing income support for tertiary students will assist USQ in this objective and will also enable us to continue to create an environment that is caring, nurturing and supportive of students,' Professor Lovegrove said.
'In addition, the new Higher Education Endowment Fund will assist USQ in continuing to develop research concentrations of international and national prominence, which will have major impact on the University's communities.'
Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092