Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket today called on Western Australians to support the national Smartest Investment campaign for increased public investment in universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost $4 billion has been cut from universities and students in the last six months,\u201d Professor Hacket said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe strongest nations in our region are investing in their best resources \u2013 their minds \u2013 by driving skills, science and research at universities and Australia must do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Hacket said universities had the ability to transform our economy and secure the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough Australia has less than 0.3 per cent of the world\u2019s population, we account for over three per cent of the world\u2019s scientific research, and university graduates have been worth over $170 billion to our economy annually.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn investment in our universities is an investment in our future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Hacket said universities nationally attracted over one million students, employed over 100,000 staff and directly contributed $22 billion to our GDP (1.6 per cent).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to increase our voice in Canberra, especially as the Federal Government has cut $3.8 million out of the sector since late last year, including $2.8 billion to fund the Gonski school reforms,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe efficiency dividend recently announced by Government would cut Curtin\u2019s funding by an estimated $5 million in 2014 and $8.5 million in 2015.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts hurt not only our universities but our country, and come at a time when our public investment in universities ranks just 25th out of 29 advanced economies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Hacket encouraged people to visit the campaign website to learn more, and to then contact their local MP and follow the campaign on social media. To visit the website, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n