NTEU: Students Paying 30% More

Date: 15 May 2003

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) welcomes the $1.5 billion in new public funding for higher education unveiled in tonight's budget but is very concerned about other changes including harsh workplace reform measures and the fact that students and their families have to pay an additional 30% in HECS charges.

"The changes introduced tonight fundamentally depend on increases in student fees and the workplace reform conditions attached to the package," said Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President.

"The Union will be examining the affordability and equity consequences of the fee increases as well as ascertaining whether the workplace reform conditions are simply an ideological attack on the union. If this is the case we will oppose them."

"Another serious concern for the NTEU is that the package is back loaded. Only $69 million is delivered before the next Federal election with 45% of the money not coming until 2007."

There are significant positives in the package, including:

· Over enrolments to be phased out and replaced by fully funded places.
· Gains for Indigenous staff and students, including and increase in Indigenous support funding, targeted scholarships and the establishment of a National Indigenous Advisory Council.
· Regional universities to get an additional $122 million for serving the community

"Overall we have to balance the positive initiatives against the significant downside for students who are facing increasing fees and staff who face industrial attack from the Government."

"The Union commends the Indigenous initiatives contained in the package, but agrees with Minister Nelson's labelling of the Indigenous measures released tonight as 'superficial'," said Joel Wright, NTEU Indigenous Officer.

"No doubt the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, once it is established later this year, will be voicing its concerns to the Minister, as will the NTEU."

For further information

Contact:	Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Contact Mobile:	0419 349 064

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