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

The Regional Universities Network has said: 'More options for higher education study, including sub-bachelor pathways, would be available to regional Australians, including low-SES students.' As our universities are freer to compete with each other to attract students, competition will lead to better deals for students—on the range of courses offered; on modes of teaching, which include both on campus and online; on quality of teaching and other student support; and on value for money. In fact, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, again in my own state, well known to Senator Fierravanti-Wells, Professor Paul Wellings, spoke of the reforms' potential to increase the competitiveness of the sector while maintaining our ability to offer university education free at the point of delivery to all students irrespective of their circumstances. (Time expired)