Curtin University supports the National Union of Students (NUS) and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) National Day of Action against funding cuts to higher education.
Curtin Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the cuts of two per cent in 2014 and 1.25 per cent in 2015 were of serious concern to both staff and students.
“It has been estimated that funding cuts announced by the Australian Government in April will amount to $5 million at Curtin in 2014 – and $8.5 million in 2015,” Professor Stirling said.
“At the same time the strongest nations in our region are investing in their best resource – their minds – by driving skills, science and research at universities and Australia must do the same or it is at the very real risk of falling behind its neighbours.”
Professor Stirling said the National Day of Action gave both students and staff the opportunity to show their concerns about that risk.
“A joint staff-student voice adds further weight to the concerns being expressed by Curtin and other universities around the country,” Professor Stirling said.
“The future of Australia is in the hands of our students and I support their efforts to let the Federal Government know of their concerns.”
Professor Stirling also encouraged people to support the Universities Australia’s Smartest Investment campaign, which calls for increased public investment in universities.
“This can be done by signing an online petition, “liking” the Smartest Investment Facebook page and following the campaign on Twitter (@investinausunis / #investinunis),” Professor Stirling said
