Page 1433 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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in a city that Professor Bradley suggests in her report is of insufficient size to have two institutions, much less a third institution.
Our requests are simple. What is the current status of the Bradley report and the Hawke report recommendations in respect of changes to the operating structure of both the University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology? What are the financial implications of any changes? What is the anticipated cost of these changes? When will this new institution start? What impact will it have on current courses and operating arrangements for both the University of Canberra and the CIT? What communications strategy will be developed to inform potential future students as to what is available?
Minister, if you do not know, I call on you, for the sake of education in this city, to make it your business to find out. The Assembly has the appropriate structures, through the standing committee on education, to examine these matters and provide assurances to the wider education community that the new arrangements are in the best interests of the sector and that they are sustainable.
I thank Ms Hunter for bringing this motion before us. I support this motion. I also wish to move the amendment which was circulated in my name. Talking briefly about Dr Bourke’s amendments, if I may—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Le Couteur): One moment. I understand Dr Bourke has already moved his amendments, although it was not noted here. So you cannot move yours until Dr Bourke’s have been disposed of.
MR DOSZPOT: Can I seek leave to move my amendment now?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: No. That is exactly what I just said.
MR DOSZPOT: Thank you.
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Later.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation) (3.20): I thank Ms Hunter for raising the matter today and Dr Bourke and Mr Doszpot for their contributions. It goes without saying that this is a complex and fast-changing environment in tertiary and higher education in Australia at the moment. The core principles for the ACT government’s approach to reform in this area is to ensure a quality, agile and responsive training system and higher education system that meets the needs of industry and students with a particular emphasis on ensuring that those from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to access further education and that there is a provision for pathways into and removal of barriers between education sectors and employment.
Central to achieving reforms in both the vocational education and training sector and the higher education sector is the development and implementation of strategies that
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