Coalition Universities and Research Spokesman Senator Brett Mason Make Big Joke, Yes? / No. (February 5, 2012)

The Australian's Stephan Matchett relates that: "Opposition universities spokesman Brett Mason has slammed the Gillard Government for over-committing and under funding Australia's universities," which is of course true but considering how the Howard Coalition government treated tertiary education during its tenure is a bit rich, particularly since he joined its ranks in 1999, i.e. some three years after John Howard took over the prime ministership.

According to Mr Matchett, Senator Mason told the Australian Technology Network of universities on Thursday:

The government wants universities to do more with less... the issue of infrastructure to accommodate increased demand – both in terms of maintenance of existing assets as well as putting in place new ones remains largely unaddressed... [The government has a] goal, but no plan, no budget, no details... The government would argue strongly that it’s not quite true – that it’s actually giving universities more money. But what it’s merely doing is financing more Commonwealth Supported Places because there are more students coming in under the new student demand-driven system commencing this year.

Stephen Matchett concluded his column: "But beyond pointing to the Howard Government’s Higher Education Endowment Fund he proposed no solution to the funding shortfall, making no mention of increased public support or stating a position on higher student contributions."

Certainly policies, particularly medium and long term, affecting Australia's tertiary education systems leave much to be desired under federal Labor, but not until the Coalition is prepared to present its policies, is it in any position to point the finger, and not until there is a coherent, long-ranged bipartisan agenda developed will Australia improve its position in its cohort of nations.