Strong interest in strengthening university infrastructure

Joint Media Release with Senator The Hon Kim Carr, Minster for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr have welcomed the strong interest shown by the university sector in the Rudd Government’s plan for strategic investments in capital and research facilities.

Universities from all Australian states and territories have submitted innovative and exciting infrastructure proposals across a variety of disciplinary areas ranging from business, education and creative arts to medical research, engineering and science.

The Government received 55 expressions of interest for projects designed to enhance teaching, learning, research and/or research training in Australia’s universities.

The 2009 funding round will focus on capital expenditure and strengthening research facilities in Australia's universities.

The Government is committed to providing Australians with high-level knowledge and skills through improvements to higher education to make Australia a more productive and prosperous nation.

From next year, infrastructure and capital funding will transition to the new, expanded Education Investment Fund (EIF), which will include the full scope of university, vocational education and major research activity.

The $11 billion EIF, which was announced in the 2008-09 Budget, will support strategic investment in Australia's universities, vocational education institutions and research facilities.

The Rudd Government is delivering an Education Revolution that will build productive capacity in our economy and deliver a modern and prosperous Australia.

The Advisory Board, led by Mr Phillip Clark AM, will consider the proposals and the successful projects will be announced in July 2009.

A summary of all the expressions of interest can be found at http://www.heef.deewr.gov.au