Gillard Government investment opens the doors to higher education

Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced the Gillard Government will contribute $377 million in new state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities at university campuses across the nation.

Australian Government funding, combined with contributions by State and Territory Governments and the successful universities, will result in a massive $873 million upgrade for higher education institutions across Australia.

The investment is part of the Government’s commitment to higher quality tertiary education and opening the doors of Australia’s universities to all students - no matter where they live.

11 new projects will be completed under the latest round of funding under the Federal Government’s Structural Adjustment Fund.

This funding will ensure universities are able to adjust to the new era in which many more Australians are being supported to attend university.

It will enable many of our most vital regional and outer metropolitan universities to thrive and grow while maintaining high quality standards.

Since coming into office, Labor has transformed the landscape of tertiary education in every state and territory of Australia.

The Government has uncapped the number of student places offered by universities and invested billions of dollars in capital works at university and TAFE campuses across Australia.

Since Labor’s election in 2007, the Government has committed more than $5.4 billion in capital funding for infrastructure to support landmark investments in higher education, research and vocational education and training, as well as campus renewal, modernisation projects and improved student amenities.

In addition to creating an extra 100,000 student places since 2007, caps on student places will be removed next year, opening up opportunities for more Australians to participate in higher education.

Students, teachers and staff will be able to access a range of new courses through cutting-edge delivery techniques including video conferencing and interactive learning environments.

Students will also be supported by better links and pathways connecting secondary school, vocational education and training and higher education. This investment will help thousands more students who have studied vocational or trade qualifications to take that extra step and get a university degree.

The Government is also supporting universities as they make the transition to the new funding system in 2012.

The learning environments for our students are being transformed and modernised as a result of the Government’s focus on skills and training.

We are determined to build a highly skilled workforce, ready to meet the challenges of a modern, diverse economy.

A university education is a ticket to greater career choice and to high skilled and high paid jobs.