September 20, 2015
The Group of Eight (Go8) is pleased that higher education is so clearly a focus of Prime Minister Turnbull and his newly appointed Education Minister Senator Simon Birmingham.
“As Australia’s eight leading research intensive universities we look forward to constructive communication with the government,” says Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “We also look forward to the delivery of good public policy that enables the Go8 to educate tomorrow’s leaders and to deliver the quality research that changes lives and builds our nation’s economy.
“Prime Minister Turnbull and new Minister Birmingham assume responsibility at a very difficult time for the sector, yet also a time of great opportunity,” she said. “Having the Prime Minister place such a strong focus on innovation and research capacity by his announcement today of an Industry, Innovation and Science Cabinet Minister is extremely important for Australia.
“The new Prime Minister’s statement today of the value of innovation and science and critically the collaboration between universities and business is exactly the Go8’s focus. It gives the Go8 great confidence he understands what is required.”
Ms Thomson said the appointment of Senator Birmingham as Education Minister also indicated an obvious desire to find a way through the current legislative funding impasse.
“There is no argument that the current funding model is broken. The differences of opinion occur in finding a solution. It is to be hoped a new Prime Minister and Minister can negotiate an outcome that enhances research capability and quality teaching.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
