The Federal Government has passed the Higher Educational Support Amendment Bill (No. 2) through parliament.

 

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, said the Bill implements a number of commitments made by the Government in the 2011-12 Budget including: 

  • additional funding of $1.2 billion over four years to make more university places available for Australian students;
  • an extra $550 million for improved indexation for university grants, to ensure that universities have the resources they need to deliver quality outcomes;
  • $500 million for the Regional Priorities Round of the Education Investment Fund to create better educational facilities for regional students; and
  • additional funding of $109.9 million over four years to help universities meet the higher costs of delivering education at their regional campuses.

 

“The Government expects that 2012 will be an even stronger year for universities as it is the first year that the Government’s improved indexation arrangements take full effect,” Senator Evans said.

 

“Universities also stand to gain considerably from new streamlined visa arrangements which will underpin sustainable growth in their international operations next year.”