2015-11-08
Senator Robert Simms
Australia's public universities are vital to our nation's future. This is not only because they are fundamental to the growth of our economy — although we know that to be the case — but because they are a public good. Universities are more than just degree factories; they provide pathways for citizens to realise their dreams and to reach their potential. They provide avenues for the exchanging of ideas, for the building of knowledge, for reflecting on our world and for finding solutions.
The Greens have a strong record when it comes to fighting for our public universities, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the student movement, academics and the community. We don't want to go down the path the United States has taken, where the quality of your education is dependent on the size of your bank balance. Higher education is key to social mobility, and allowing anyone, no matter their start in life the chance to realise their dreams. Public universities are fundamental to providing access to quality education for everyone, and that is why the Greens will continue pushing for further investment in our public institutions.
There is general consensus that the economy of the 21st century will be a 'knowledge economy'. If Australia is to continue competing on the global stage we are going to require a highly skilled, educated and flexible workforce. It is our universities that will provide these skills. However, despite the rhetoric from the current and previous governments, investment in our public universities continues to be cut, leaving us floundering near the bottom of the OECD nations in terms of government investment. This under-investment is having huge impacts across the board. A recent survey indicated that academics are overworked and underpaid for the work they do – with about 50% of academic staff undertaking unpaid overtime just to keep up with work demands. Other universities have had to freeze the hiring of new staff due to budget constraints. And many universities have had to make the tough choice between funding student outcomes and funding research — a difficult decision that no university in a wealthy country like Australia should have to make.
The Greens are fighting to ensure that students can make the most out of their time at university. Funding cuts have created larger class sizes for students meaning that students get to spend less time with their professors and tutors. We believe that a quality education is dependent upon students being able to have access to their teachers, both during and after class. Students should be able to focus on their studies while at university, rather than being forced to juggle numerous casual jobs on the side to survive. As the cost of living skyrockets, all students who need to live out of home to attend university should be able to access Youth Allowance that covers their basic needs – such as rent and food.
This under-investment doesn't just affect the students of today - it impacts on the future of our country. Funding our public universities is not a cost; it is an investment in our future. If we continue to short-change our centres for learning, it will only hurt us in the long run. Not to mention that education is our third largest export. International students come to Australia expecting to get a world-class education, and the current Government's policy is threatening the viability of this valuable and worthwhile export.
The Greens are committed to ensuring that Australian universities are provided with adequate funding to ensure they can continue to conduct world-class research and provide students with the best possible outcomes.