Universities in Australia have two Ministers - the Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard who looks after education and Senator Kim Carr who looks after research and innovation.
Senator Carr announced the Innovation Review recently, and this is well underway. That Review includes examination of Cooperative Research Centres as an approach to driving research outcomes, collaboration and innovation. This is a welcome development and James Cook University will engage positively with this Review.
Today, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a broad ranging Education Review. This development is also most welcome. The expert panel charged with conducting this Review represents a sound mix of skills and experience. The panel will be chaired by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, past Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Australia. Denise is an accomplished and respected higher education leader and manager who will do a terrific job.
In her speech, the Deputy PM indicated the panel will provide advice to the Government on several issues:
- creating and supporting diversity across the higher education sector, with universities that have a global outlook accompanied by a distinctive mission;
- improving the sector's contribution to increased economic productivity;
- improving funding arrangements;
- widening access to higher education and improving student support programs;
- securing high standards across the sector; and;
- an articulated higher education system engaging universities and VET.
Certainly, I welcome the Education Review, alongside the Innovation Review previously set in train by Senator Carr. Both Reviews provide the opportunity for a fresh look at the critical role that universites play. They also hold in prospect serious engagement with the question of what it takes to ensure that our critical role can be discharged.
There can be no doubt that James Cook University plays a significant and distinctive regional and national role and is recognised internationally for the quality of our work. Both these Reviews offer an opportunity for us to contribute to new thinking about the sector and the role we can and should play, to advance northern Queensland, Australia and the tropics world-wide.
Cheers,
Sandra
