Bradley, the Ken Back Chancellery Building, Academic Excellence

Dear Colleagues,

We’re expecting the Bradley Review Report on tertiary education to be delivered next month, with a response from the Deputy Prime Minister in February. There is a deal of speculation on the content of the Report, but no certain information. Because the Review embraces tertiary education, it is clear that the report will concern itself with VET as well as universities.

Thinking back on the 2020 Summit, the focus there was on post-secondary education and the link with productivity. The Deputy PM was the co-chair of the Productivity Stream and was almost certainly involved in the conceptualization of tertiary education as post-secondary education. Comments were made over that weekend about the need to ensure that post-secondary education was available in a less linear way, to fit with non-linear lives, recognizing that these days skills development, university education or TAFE doesn’t happen at a certain time in one’s life, nor in any particular order. It won’t be surprising if the Report elaborates on this and proposes a framework that values both VET and higher education and seeks ready and smoother pathways between them.

There are significant expectations across the sector that the level of funding for universities needs to be addressed. The Cutler Report recommended full-funding of research. Realising this recommendation alone would provide some relief and negate the need to cross-subsidise research from funds that should be applied to teaching and learning.

Of course, the current financial crisis makes rather more complex the issue of additional funding in the next Budget. While the Government is focused on big infrastructure spend to keep activity alive in the economy, the prospect of a deficit budget next May could put any proposals for new money into universities into unfavourable perspective. Yet we know there is a strong case. I would be surprised if the Bradley Review didn’t find that additional funding was required. Compacts seem likely to be the way that funding changes will be implemented. It will be good to see the shape of the recommendations when they are delivered.

Two terrific events on campus this week. First, the main administration building (variously known as Humanities II, DA001 or administration) was officially named the Ken Back Chancellery Building last Friday. Emeritus Professor Ken Back AO headed the University College of Townsville and then James Cook University for 23 years, from 1963 to 1986. It was from that building that he oversaw the development of the campus, its built environment, program development and significant growth in staff and student numbers. Many former staff and other members of the broader community attended the naming ceremony, catching up with each other, with Ken, his wife Pat and their two daughters. His was a unique contribution that is most deserving of this unique honour. My thanks to Stephanie Hunter who managed the event, making all the arrangements including tracking down many people who were delighted to hear about the event and very pleased to be back in contact with the University.

The second event was today’s award ceremony in Townsville for students who won University and Academic Medals during the 2007 calendar year. More than 100 people were in attendance. These graduates demonstrated sustained academic excellence during their studies and deserve today’s recognition. The ceremony for Cairns-based award winners is set for Friday 28 November. Thanks to all our colleagues who attended the event today - and to those who will attend on Friday. Special thanks to Roger Yeldham and his team for orchestrating both ceremonies and ensuring they run smoothly and well.

Cheers,
Sandra