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

I particularly thank the senator for his question today, because it has been fascinating. Since the introduction by Minister Pyne of the Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill in the other place last week we have had higher education leaders around the country calling on parliament to pass the bill, and specifying amendments. But today's media reports are particularly interesting. That is because the first paragraph of the article in The Australian begins, 'The architect of the former Labor government's education reforms…' The side bar is headed, 'Gonski backs Libs on uni fees.'

And we know that those opposite regard what Mr Gonski says with regard to education as holy writ. So one imagines that as the Chancellor of the University of New South Wales—and exceptional university, I might add—and one of the nation's most respected businessmen is now backing 'the government's plan to deregulate higher education fees, claiming it will free up universities even greater,' it would be welcomed by those opposite.

Mr Gonski said that it would improve the student experience and there would be better teacher-student ratios et cetera. Those would be real benefits for students but, of course, those opposite will continue to ignore that.

I think I mentioned yesterday that Universities Australia, the overall peak body, has simply said, 'Approve the higher education package with amendments.' The Innovative Research Universities' members, including Murdoch University and Griffith University headed their statement with, 'Support higher education legislation with amendments'. They said:

IRU members support the direction of the legislation, which will provide a viable basis for universities over the next decade.

The Australian Technology Network universities, including universities like Curtin University and QUT said:

… passage through the Senate is crucial to protect the international reputation for quality higher education, representing around $15 Billion in export earnings … ( Time expired)