$150M Tasmanian Uni investment without $100K degrees – Lambie.

Independent JLN Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie’s strong opposition to the Liberal’s University Deregulation plans, was vindicated again today as Prime Minister Turnbull signed an MOU with the Vice Chancellor of UTAS for $150M.

“Many people will recall that I received the blame from Liberal party members for Tasmania missing out on University funding / investment – after I voted down the former Government’s plan to deregulate our Uni’s.

Today with the formal signing of the MOU, my stance has been formally vindicated. Tasmania now has an extra $150M Uni investment – without our Uni students facing the prospect of $100K degrees.” said Senator Lambie.

No Master Plan – Vice Chancellor should resign

“And while I’m happy to see that the federal money has been formally locked in – I’m very disappointed that a memorandum of understanding has been signed – without the Vice Chancellor of UTAS presenting a Master Plan to the Prime Minister and community.

It’s not good enough that the start date for building construction at Launceston and Burnie campuses remains a mystery. UTAS’ Vice Chancellor Rathjen’s explanation to the media that we’ll commence construction as soon as we can – has let down the whole Tasmanian community.

I assumed after comprehensive briefings from UTAS over the last 2 years regarding their expansion – that a master plan was in place during the lead up to the last election. If the Vice Chancellor can’t produce a Master Plan before Xmas then he should resign.

The fact that a UTAS Master Plan had not been delivered over the last 2 years, was covered up – until I started enquiring recently about the reasons for construction delays. Northern Tasmania’s economy and business community needs UTAS building to begin as soon as possible. And the reasons for the UTAS Master Plan delay need to be properly explained – not glossed over.” said Senator Lambie.
Rob Messenger for Senator Jacqui Lambie Senator for Tasmania