Shadow Education Minister Michelle O’Byrne today issued a call to arms for all Tasmanian politicians to fight Tony Abbott’s education reforms which threaten the University of Tasmania’s regional campuses in Launceston and Burnie.
“Our regional campuses are under a dark cloud of uncertainty because of Tony Abbott’s plan to deregulate university fees,” Ms O’Byrne.
“The Federal Government’s shambolic higher education reforms should be dumped and it’s time for all Tasmanian Liberals to stand up to Tony Abbott.
“Will Hodgman and Jeremy Rockliff should be leading the charge and Abbott acolytes like the Andrew Nikolic and Brett Whiteley need to ensure the message gets through load and clear.
Ms O’Byrne said concern over the future of the Launceston and Burnie campuses has heightened because their futures are not guaranteed in a deregulated marked.
“The University’s Vice Chancellor Peter Rathjen today confirmed the viability of the regional campuses would be under further pressure.
“Tasmania’s university is unique in Australia and something will have to give if it is forced to operate in a competitive deregulated market.
“The Launceston and Burnie campuses are already losing money and if deregulation goes ahead their operation is not assured.
“We need to strengthen not weaken the viability of our university across Tasmania.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP Labor Deputy Leader Shadow Education Minister
