Consultation Paper on Higher Education Base Funding Review Released. (December 18, 2010)

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, Senator Chris Evans, yesterday "invited [universities and the higher education sector] to contribute their views about the future of higher education funding, with the release of a consultation paper by the Panel  for the higher education base funding review -- Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, Emeritus Professor Dennis Gibson AO, Dr Louise Watson and Professor Beth Webster.

The terms of reference  were announced by Senator Evans on 26 October 2010 and includes the consideration of the "enduring principles that should underpin the appropriate distribution of funding by discipline, the share of funding from all sources and the best funding model to deliver increased teaching quality."

In his media release the Minister emphasised the need for the panel to consider "as to whether current Commonwealth funding structures provide appropriate support for universities to ensure that students remain at university until they complete their studies,” and noted that, “Currently, as many as 20 per cent of first year undergraduate students discontinue their studies each year. We have also set targets for participation – that by 2020, 20 per cent of undergraduate enrolments are people from low SES backgrounds, and by 2025, 40 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds will have a bachelor level qualification or above. Our goal is to create a system that allows more students from a diverse range of backgrounds to achieve a higher education qualification, and find a rewarding job in the knowledge economy. I urge the higher education sector to take the opportunity to participate in these important national consultations.”

The four person panel yesterday released the 20-page consultation paper  and the 81-page background paper .

With regard to forwarding a submission to the panel they state they prefer submissions respond to the numbered questions in the Consultation Paper, note that not all questions need be answered and you are also welcome to raise any additional matters you consider relevant to the terms of reference.

All submissions (excluding any confidential information) will be published on the Base Funding Review website.

Attachment B of the Consultation Paper gives further information on how to make a submission to the Review.
 

Submissions should be lodged in both RTF and PDF format by close of business 31 March 2011 by email to:  HEBaseFundingReview@deewr.gov.au.
 

Regarding Stakeholder Consultations
 

The panel will continue to consult with stakeholders during 2011. If you wish to indicate your interest in taking part in the consultation process contact the review secretariat at  HEBaseFundingReview@deewr.gov.au to which you may also address comments and inquiries
 

or by post to:
 

Secretariat
Higher Education Base Funding Review
Location C50MA9
GPO Box 9880
CANBERRA ACT 2601