Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Improving access to quality higher education facilities in Joondalup is one of my priorities. I am a strong advocate for increased investment in the expansion of the Joondalup Learning Precinct, including the master planned building program at Edith Cowan University over the next five years, estimated to cost over $200 million. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryoush Habibi recently led me on a tour of the new $48 million science building under construction, which is due to open next year. Further investment is required to transform the Joondalup Learning Precinct, with both state-of-the-art university and vocational education and training facilities necessary to develop the skilled workforce of the future. I strongly support increased funding for research and development, and the commercialisation of Australian intellectual property. The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon. Karen Andrews, recently met with key stakeholders, along with the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash. Through continued federal investment in the Joondalup Learning Precinct, local students will be granted access to some of the best tertiary education facilities in Western Australia.