In its 2009 Budget the Rudd Government has recognised the importance of investment in higher education and university research to stimulate and sustain economic growth.
A number of well-directed budget initiatives will underpin excellence and concentration in university research, enlarge access and equity in higher education, promote structural change and lift Australia's competitiveness, according to the Group of Eight universities.
In responding to tonight's Federal Budget, Group of Eight Chair, Professor Alan Robson, commended the Government for commencing a far-reaching program of micro-economic reform that will improve Australia’s economic capacity and performance through higher education and research.
"The Government's response to the Cutler and Bradley reports will work to widen the base of Australia's higher education system and strengthen university research capability, with major investments in cutting edge science and technology," said Professor Robson.
"This budget includes a serious commitment to move progressively to cover each university's indirect research costs, long advocated by the Go8 as vital to the quality and competitiveness of Australian universities.
"This move, together with the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative, the new program of Collaborative Research Networks, structural adjustment facilitation measures, targeted infrastructure investments, and greater attention to student retention and learning outcomes, will provide incentives for diversification within Australian higher education.
"The Go8 is especially pleased to see enhancements to student income support, including increases to Australian postgraduate award stipends.
"The policy settings announced tonight establish the right direction to ensure Australia can remain with the world's leaders in research and innovation.
"Even though some of this funding will not flow through immediately, the Government's forward looking approach provides universities with some predictability for their planning.
"There are a number of details to be worked through including the operation of mission based compacts, the determination of performance related criteria and other conditions, definitions of socio-economic status and the means by which indexation will be measured. The Government has committed to consultation with the sector on all of these issues.
"In a difficult budgetary environment, Ministers Carr and Gillard are to be commended for their long-term vision and commitment to Australian higher education," Professor Robson concluded.
FURTHER COMMENT
Professor Alan Robson, Chair, Ph: 0432 637 716
Michael Gallagher, Executive Director, 02 6239 5488
* Performance funding indicators and related reforms in Australian higher education
* Go8 L'Aquila scholarships
* Go8 – China 9 – Harvard Conference
* Conference discounts for Go8 university staff
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GROUP OF EIGHT | AUSTRALIA
In its 2009 Budget the Rudd Government has recognised the importance of investment in higher education and university research to stimulate and sustain economic growth. 
