Monash University's Vice-Chancellor Comments on the Cat Tossed in Amongst the Pigeons. (November 30, 2005)

        Richard Larkins is vice-chancellor of Monash University and in an article in The Australian's higher education section he evaluates the university model made public a fortnight ago by Glyn Davis, vice-chancellor of The University of Melbourne in his July 2005 discussion paper Growing Esteem -- Choices for the University of Melbourne.

After allowing that Professor Davis' model may have a place in Australia, though it should by no means become unique, the pith of Professor Larkins' contribution is summarised in his final paragraph.

Surely it is time for us to move to a more rational model [than the current overly complex structure], where the funding is provided to the student and universities are deregulated, although accountable and quality-assured. Income-contingent loans should be available to all students at any time they choose to undertake higher education. Bursaries would be directed by universities and government to assure access of students of merit, irrespective of their ability to pay. And universities could make their decisions based on what their students want and what the community needs. Differentiation would occur in a less encumbered environment. Our best universities could compete on the world stage without one hand tied behind their back.

Sure, it doesn't address the problems of under funding, increasingly inadequate infrastructure, overworked staff and the development of an aggressive and consummate "brain-grain" program, but just maybe Professor Larkins' peers for a start, ought to take heed and put some meat on the bones of the points he makes and start doing it like he says while simultaneously being wary of Nelson bearing gifts.