Southern Cross University Welcomes Budget Measures

Higher Education initiatives announced in the Budget have been welcomed by one of Australia’s youngest and most innovative regional institutions, Southern Cross University.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Rickard, said tonight that the government should be congratulated for a package that supports high quality education in regional Australia, encourages university collaboration with industry and community, backs our innovation and research skills, and addresses the challenges facing rural, regional and indigenous students.

“We also welcome initiatives to address acute shortages in teaching and nursing,” he said. “Although it appears the measures announced may not go far enough”.

Professor Rickard said the directions of the Budget announcements confirmed that Southern Cross University could confidently continue to develop its international opportunities, collaborative research and innovative and flexible teaching programs.

“At last the federal government has acknowledged through increased funding the value of regional universities to their communities. That will directly benefit regional Australia,” he said.

13 May 2003