University of New England (UNE) Vice-Chancellor Brigid Heywood has welcomed the university fee reform package announced by the federal government on Friday.
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"They've shifted the amount of money that's available to support candidates studying a particular subject - yes they have. But have they done it in a way that will help the region and Australia? I personally think they have," she told the Express on Friday.
Education Minister Dan Tehan announced the changes, which overhaul student and government contributions for university courses.
Under the reforms, students studying things like law, commerce and humanities will have to pay higher course fees, while those studying in areas like science, maths, agriculture, teaching, health and engineering will pay less.
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However, Professor Heywood isn't concerned the changes will impact student and staff numbers in certain areas at UNE.
"I'm sure there will be some adjustments ... but universities are always adjusting," she said.
Professor Heywood said the move signals the importance of education during tough times for Australia amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"What the new reform announcements pay attention to is the need to support and invest in education, particularly young people coming into education, in a time of great national difficulty," she said.
"There's more in the package than a shift in course fees, there is an opportunity for greater engagement and participation of young people, there's $5000 a head for every person that chooses to continue into tertiary education, that helps off-set those course fee shifts."
Professor Heywood said she was particularly happy that agriculture and teaching are among the Commonwealth investments, because building those capabilities in regional areas is important.
"It doesn't say there's a different value for different courses, it just says that right now, there's different areas that can be of immediate value for the recovery of the Australian economy," she said.
Professor Heywood said the UNE has measures in place to ensure all students in all disciplines are supported.
"This reform package offers something regional universities can take opportunity from, and that recognises that we are pivot organisations in our communities."
The deal is set to last about three-to-four years, according to Professor Heywood.
The government predicts 60 per cent of students will see reduced or unchanged fees.
Mr Tehan said that the overhaul in fee contributions means an additional 39,000 university places will be funded by 2023.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
