The National Union of Students calls on Birmingham to scrap the Higher Education Amendment Bill after it failed to pass the Senate last week. The regressive Bill would have seen billions of dollars ripped from the sector, accompanied by a student tax that would leave young Australians with years of debt.
“The Liberal’s package does not take into account the dramatic shift in labour expectations, automation, and the need for a thought-driven economy in the 21st century.” Said NUS President, Sophie Johnston “What we need right now is forward-thinking, innovative approaches to financing the higher education sector if Australia is to keep up with the rest of the world.”
The Senate’s verdict comes after months of opposition from across the community and the disappointing data that was revealed in the 2017 OECD Education at a Glance Report. It found that Australia’s public investment in Education was 40% below the OECD average, at a mere 0.7% of GDP, despite returning roughly 8% GDP. Australian students also pay more than twice the average fees across the OECD.
“You just have to look at the huge economic return to see the power education has to drive national prosperity. We also know that when we have an educated nation, we bolster job creation, improve the overall livelihood of our citizens, and prepare ourselves for a rapidly changing workforce.” continued Johnston.
“This Government is living in the 70s, where only a privileged few gained access to university. Now education is the bedrock of a nation that wants to keep up with what looks to be the second mass industrial revolution.” Said Johnston
“Australia will rely on our universities to regularly re-train our workforce and to develop essential new industries,” continued Johnston, “The only question is; when will we have a government bold enough to drive this important agenda.”
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students
