Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan has welcomed the Government’s decision to split the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill in two and thereby ensure on-going funding for research including that undertaken by Southern Cross University.
“This is a great outcome for Southern Cross University and its high calibre of staff conducting a wide range of research,” Mr Hogan said.
“Since the last election, the Federal Government has provided more than $1.7 million for six research projects at SCU.”
“I welcome Regional Universities Network support for the splitting of the bill. It is crucial for regional universities like SCU, and their students to retain the demand-driven system and expand it to sub-bachelor degrees.”
As part of discussions with cross-bench senators, the Government decided to guarantee funding for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) for a further 12 months and consider separately other proposed changes in the Bill.
“This funding is not subject to the passage of the Higher Education and Research Reform bill,” Mr Hogan said.
