Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I am not sure why those opposite would seek to denigrate Professor Bowman, but that is a matter for them—thank you, Senator Lines. As I have mentioned in the chamber previously, the support for an uncapped number of diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees creates a really great opportunity for regional students and for their universities. The Regional Universities Network has said: 'The provision of demand-driven places to non-university providers could build on the significant partnerships or dual arrangements that already exist between regional TAFEs and regional universities.' The recent Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, in my home state of New South Wales, Professor Barber, and others, have pointed to the way deregulation of the system will create great opportunities for regional universities to position themselves so much more effectively. They are able to say to students: 'Come and do a high-quality degree with us, with higher student satisfaction, good employment outcomes and a high quality of life, that is good value for money.' Professor Barber, with others, has pointed out that regional and other universities will be able to position themselves much more effectively in online education as well. Distance education is also very important to many of our regional universities, and deregulating that— (Time expired)