Fed: Students condemn Latham blueprint for university reform

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-1999
Fed: Students condemn Latham blueprint for university reform

Students have condemned Labor backbencher MARK LATHAM's blueprint for higher education
reform, saying it would entrench inequity in universities.

The National Union of Students annual conference unanimously passed a motion condemning
the proposal to radically restructure higher education in Australia.

The New South Wales Young Labor conference yesterday also condemned Mr LATHAM for the
proposal, describing it as outrageous and badly conceived.

Mr LATHAM, a former Labor education spokesman, last month delivered a paper to the
University of Western Sydney, which floated the idea of creating a new mix of universities.

Part of that mix would place more emphasis on deregulating university fees.

Labor roundly attacked Education Minister DAVID KEMP in October when a leaked cabinet
submission proposed deregulating fees.

Mr LATHAM says Australian universities are being smothered by their conformity.

He's proposed having a group of free public universities, with no upfront fees and
no HECS, targeted at depressed regional areas, as well as a larger group of universities
funded like the existing system.

The proposed new mix will also include a small group of private universities.

Union general secretary GILBERT ASTORGA says Mr LATHAM's proposals are a step backwards
for education standards in Australia.

AAP RTV daw/mfh/as/jn

KEYWORD: STUDENTS LATHAM (CANBERRA)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.