The Regional Universities Network (RUN) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on securing a second term of Government.
RUN looks forward to working with the Albanese Government on implementing a range of higher education reforms that strengthen the university services relied upon by regional Australians.
Chief Executive Officer of RUN, Mr Alec Webb said that a returned Albanese Government must now deliver on key outcomes arising from the Australian Universities Accord – a key priority in RUN’s Election Platform.
“Having committed to implement many of the findings of the Australian Universities Accord in the previous term of Government, it is now time to legislate and fund these vital recommendations.
“Regional universities play a vital role in driving Australia’s economic and social prosperity while providing life changing opportunities for traditionally underrepresented students to engage with higher education.
“With one-in-every-four Australian students from a low socio-economic background, and one-in-every- four First Nations students, RUN universities collectively enrol the highest concentrations of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
“It is now time to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, provide Needs-Based Funding, and a properly implemented Managed Growth Funding system.
“It is also time to address the critical infrastructure and asset maintenance issues faced by regional universities, which has been left in the ‘too-hard’ basket for too long by successive Governments,” said Mr Webb.
Throughout the election there has been a renewed interest in regional Australia and RUN is looking forward to working with the new Government, Ministers, and local members to continue this momentum.
For media enquiries:
Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736
Molly Tuy, Communications and Office Administration Assistant, 0493 890 747