Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has today welcomed reports of Kevin Rudd’s support for the much needed allied health and sport precinct of excellence at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in Launceston but called on the Prime Minister to reverse Labor’s university cuts that would erase any long-term jobs benefits.
“An allied health and sport precinct of excellence at UTAS has huge potential for Launceston and the Greens have been involved in and supported discussions to make it happen,” said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.
“The project would build a new range of educational programs like allied health, health technology, and active living that would support efforts from elite sport through to improving community health outcomes all while boosting employment in northern Tasmania.
“But Labor’s cuts to higher education put up to 150 jobs at risk in Tasmania according to UTAS Vice Chancellor, Peter Rathjen.
“UTAS pumps about $500 million into the local economy every year, employs over 2,700 academic and professional staff directly, and with nearly 30,000 students enrolled, indirectly UTAS provides work for many more in the community.
“If Kevin Rudd genuinely wants to stand up for UTAS and boosting Tasmanian jobs in the higher education sector he must today commit to reverse Labor’s university cuts,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
