Regional Universities Network appoints new chair

The Rockhampton-based Professor Klomp will succeed University of the Sunshine Coast
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, as chair of the network.

Professor Klomp said he was excited to be stepping into the chair role at such a critical
time for Australia’s regional universities, as they fight back from the impacts of COVID and
grapple with recent higher education reforms.

“Now, more than ever, regional universities are absolutely critical to Australia’s productivity
and to the social fabric of our nation," he said

“They change lives for the better, creating highly employable graduates and producing
groundbreaking research to meet the ever evolving industry and community needs of
regional Australia.

“Over the past nine years, RUN has been a great champion for the crucial work of our
regional universities and has represented our interests well at the national level, but there
is still much work to do.

“As incoming chair, I’m looking forward to continuing to ensure that our regional
universities get a seat at the national decision making table, and that government policy
and legislation is enacted in the very best interests of the regions.

“Our regional students and researchers deserve their fair share of resources, funding and
favourable policy, anything less is selling regional Australia short."

Professor Klomp also thanked and commended Professor Bartlett for her effective
leadership of RUN during her term as chair.

Professor Bartlett said that it had been an honour to serve as chair of RUN since mid-
2018, a period of significant higher education policy reform and increased focus on
regional universities, students and communities.

“Over this period, RUN has been very active in making submissions, presenting vital
evidence from the regions and engaging constructively with key politicians on a range of
policy issues that are critically important to regional education and regional development," he said

“The Job-ready Graduates package made some significant concessions to measures
advocated for by RUN, including more funding for student places in regional campuses,
financial incentives for regional students and additional funding for research at regional
universities, which demonstrates that our lobbying is having an impact and politicians are
listening.

“Now is not the time to take our foot off the accelerator, we must continue advocating for
the needs of regional students and researchers.

“The impact of COVID-19 has further highlighted the value of regional universities to their
communities and the economic recovery of the regions.

“All RUN members look forward to working with Professor Klomp as we continue to
advocate for our regions.

“Addressing equity in education for regional Australians will take a generation and must
remain a focus for future policy and program development."

Media contact: Sharlene King, media office at Southern Cross University, 0429 661 349 or scumedia@scu.edu.au