Page 556 - Week 02 - Thursday, 19 February 2015
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I am delighted the University of Canberra is taking a more entrepreneurial approach to its revenue base by engaging in commercial projects which will benefit it financially as well as through new teaching, training and research opportunities. By growing its sphere of operations the university will develop economies of scale and sustainability. Quite a few Australian universities will be under pressure to do likewise, Madam Speaker.
Consistent with my responsibilities as Minister for Urban Renewal, and through a series of bills, starting with this one, I am taking action to broaden the span of the University of Canberra’s functions in a way that will provide significant economic, social and cultural benefits for this city and for the broader region.
By facilitating investment in the campus, we will grow jobs, we will boost the housing market and we will create new opportunities for wider research, teaching and commerce at the university. This will benefit students, staff and people working and living near the university, as well as older Canberrans likely to enjoy the convenience and quality of the new sub-acute hospital and other facilities around the campus.
The bill begins delivery on this government’s commitment to renew the urban environment, to create economic opportunities, but, most importantly, Madam Speaker, to encourage economic growth. The bill will modernise the University of Canberra Act 1989 and is designed to support the university in developing its campus whilst updating provisions with respect to the operation of the council.
A modern legislative framework will support efficient and effective operations of the university council, better governance and enable the university to enter into commercial arrangements not hindered by unnecessary legislative restrictions.
In coming months, Madam Speaker, I will be bringing forward changes to land planning and unit titling arrangements to allow our great local university to work with others to develop more residences on the campus, to invest further in a sporting commons, to create a health precinct and to foster growth of an innovation precinct around the campus.
Madam Speaker, Canberra is becoming a place where people come together to collaborate on big ideas that can be shared with the nation and the world. The University of Canberra already has a well-deserved reputation for partnering with leading minds and companies.
The partnership with Ochre Health for the Belconnen GP superclinic, the development of the University of Canberra public hospital and the partnerships with the Brumbies Super Rugby team and the Canberra Capitals basketball team are prime recent examples of the University of Canberra’s evolution.
By significantly expanding the university’s role in our city, through cultural, sporting, professional and commercial services to the community, I am expecting this university to generate even more economic activity for our city and expand a set of services—its significant set of services—in Belconnen. By bringing forward a first
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