Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

Whether I quote the Australian Technology Network, the Innovative Research Universities, Regional Universities Network, Universities Australia, the Group of Eight or myriad business people, all of the higher education sector, miraculously—with the exception of Stephen Parker—are in favour of our reform.

But, let me quote someone who is familiar to the opposition. This fellow—a very smart fellow—says:

The bottom line is that if Australia is to develop universities which can truly compete internationally, that can provide an excellent educational experience for students and produce really outstanding graduates of the kind that are so vital to our nation’s future, we have to not only allow, but encourage, diversity by removing the constraints that prevent innovation.

Now, who do we think said that? Who do we think said that?—the Chancellor of the ANU, Gareth Evans. My memory is that he used to be the deputy leader of the Labor Party. He was a cabinet minister in the Hawke-Keating government. Gareth Evans, speaking on behalf of the sensible Hawke-Keating ministers of bygone eras—when Labor had some economic credibility; when they actually believed in something—and speaking on behalf of people who believe in things, knew that these reforms are inevitable. They are necessary, and they will happen.

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