Tuesday, July 17, 2007

NATS SEEK SUPPORT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INQUIRY

MPs from all sides of politics are being challenged to support a Parliamentary Inquiry into higher education participation rates by The Nationals Spokesman for Education Peter Hall.

The State Parliament Upper House will vote on Mr Hall’s motion tomorrow (Wednesday) which aims to establish an all-party inquiry into the geographical differences in the rate in which Victorian students participate in higher education.

“All political parties should support this inquiry because it goes to the very core of the skill shortage in country areas and ensuring that young people in rural and regional Victoria achieve their full potential,” Mr Hall said.

“At the moment, the gap is widening between city-based students who undertake a university course and the participation rate of country students.

“Over the past five years, the number of country students enrolling in a university course after completing year 12 has fallen by about 4%. In some regions such as in the Western District and Ovens Murray, the declines have been over 20%. By contrast, the comparable figure for Melbourne-based students is an increase in university enrolments of 15% during the same period.”

Mr Hall said that the Bracks Government had conceded there was a problem but was intent on blaming the Federal Government.

Speaking in State Parliament on June 21, Education Services Minister Jacinta Allan said:

The On Track survey has highlighted one particular area of grave concern for Victoria. The survey shows us that an alarming number of our talented young people from rural and regional Victoria – these are talented young students who have qualified for tertiary education – have either not applied or deferred because they cannot afford it.

“I urge the Minister and her Parliamentary colleagues to support the establishment of this inquiry to get to the bottom of the problem and develop workable solutions for the future,” Mr Hall said.

“We need to hear directly from educators, parents and the students themselves and then adjust government policy to address these barriers.

“I believe that factors such as the high cost of living away from home; limited curriculum choice in country schools; and shortage of experienced teachers may all play a role in the poor higher education participation rates.

“There’s no doubt that country students are as smart as their city cousins – we just need to make sure that they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066