May 27, 2019
The Group of Eight (Go8) looks forward to working with the returned Morrison Government. As Australia’s leading research intensive universities, the Go8 works closely with a number of Ministers as it pursues its long-standing agenda of above-world-class global research collaborations, improved health outcomes for all Australians, and a successful completed university education for every one of its quality students, regardless of socio-economic background, or where they have grown up.
“The Go8 has seven of its universities ranked in the world’s top 100 universities and as such has a commitment to excellence,” says Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “We are focused on the bigger picture. We see continuity as paramount in what are turbulent geopolitical times when it has never been more important to ensure policy stability in the areas of Defence, Trade and Education – all portfolios the Go8 contributes to by way of research, international engagement and educating the future workforce required to underpin our national economy,” she said.
“The Go8 particularly welcomes the reappointment of Hon Greg Hunt MP – who has been a champion of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), Hon Karen Andrews MP a strong supporter of science and technology, Hon Senator Simon Birmingham who is spearheading Australia’s trade portfolio which is underpinned by international education engagement, and Hon Dan Tehan MP who has acknowledged that university research is improving the lives of every Australian,” said Ms Thomson.
“The Go8 notes that Minister Tehan has focussed his higher education comments on supporting regional students in his first media statement of the returned Government,” she said. “The Go8 is pleased the Minister remains focussed on such an important area and will continue to advocate strongly to the Minister to ensure the much-needed improved living away from home support for its more than 30,000 students from regional, rural and remote Australia who choose to study at its city campuses, and for its campuses in regional Australia to have the improved support they need to ensure quality outcomes for its students there.”
Ms Thomson said the return of Attorney General Hon Christian Porter MP was also appreciated. “The Go8 has been closely involved in a range of recent policy decisions with the Minister and his team and the geopolitical times require such productive outcomes to ensure the Go8’s global research-intensive focus can continue without impediment,” said Ms Thomson.
Contact: Vicki Thomson: Go8 Chief Executive (+61) 407 808 472