The Honourable Connie Bonaros MLC and the Honourable Sarah Game MLC have confirmed they will support the Adelaide University Bill, after the Government indicated it would support the recommendations of a Joint Committee of both houses of Parliament.
The new Adelaide University, created through the amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will likely advance the economic and social interests of the state, according to the findings of the Committee.
The Committee was established at the instigation of the Government but was chaired by independent MP Dan Cregan and did not have a majority of Government members.
During its over three-month inquiry, the Committee received more than 80 submissions and heard evidence from almost 50 witnesses including academics, students, experts, business and community groups.
The Committee heard extensive evidence that the fierce global competition between universities is only likely to increase, and that the state’s university sector is likely to become increasingly less competitive without significant reform.
The Committee considered evidence the proposed merger would likely:
- deliver long-term economic benefits to South Australia;
- increase the international ranking of the new institution;
- attract more international students;
- enhance research output and quality; and
- provide possible benefits-of-scale including the reduction of barriers to research intensity and collaboration.
The Committee heard evidence on the risk of inaction if the proposed amalgamation did not proceed. To progress the creation of the new university by 2026, the Government will introduce the Adelaide University Bill 2023 on Thursday.
In conjunction with the advocacy received from both Ms Bonaros and Ms Game, and the Committee’s report, the Government has agreed to increase a $100 million student support fund for the new university to $120 million, in order to ensure there is a priority focus on students from regional South Australia.
Separately, the Government will also deliver a $40 million Flinders Student Support Fund, to deliver benefits to Flinders University students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
The State Government has also committed to a $200 million research fund to support the new university, purchasing $114.5 million in land from the university and $30 million for measures to attract international students.
To support the implementation phase of the new Adelaide University, the Government will appoint an independent expert with experience in Higher Education to work with the Government, universities, and other stakeholders, including representatives of staff and students.
The expert will ensure transparency and assurance, providing independent advice and recommendations to government on the measurement and achievement of proposed economic benefits, possible impacts on staff and students and risk management measures, including transition and implementation risks.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
We have big plans to grow the state’s economic complexity to boost the standard of living for every South Australian.
Fundamental to this task is improving our education and research outcomes.
Yesterday, I announced the state’s biggest ever investment in TAFE and skills, and today, we press ahead with legislating a new university that has the potential to contribute half a billion dollars to our economy each year and deliver better opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
That potential benefit sits starkly against the risk of doing nothing, and watching our high quality, but small universities, get swamped by international competitors.
I thank Connie Bonaros MLC and Sarah Game MLC for carefully considering the evidence they heard before the Committee, and working constructively with me in recent weeks to ensure this legislation delivers the best possible outcome.
As put by Susan Close
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our State and we are seizing it.
We welcome the committee’s finding that the creation of a new university will advance the economic and social interests of South Australia.
This outcome is the core reason the State Government is pursuing this.
The legislation we will put before the Parliament has been carefully calibrated, and takes into account extensive public feedback, and many of the issues considered by the parliamentary inquiry.
As put by Connie Bonaros MLC
I’m supporting this new university because it has the potential to transform the lives of everyday South Australians.
I’m particularly pleased that we have secured an additional $60 million for low-SES and regional students who would otherwise not have access to tertiary education.
These funds will be quarantined in perpetuity to leave long-lasting benefits for our state.
As put by Sarah Game MLC
This decision has to benefit everyone, not just those wanting to go to university.
I will support a decision to improve wages and economic prosperity of all South Australians.
It was important to me that any decision improved access to university for regional students and people from low socio-economic backgrounds.
This new university is going to improve the state’s research capabilities, which can save lives.
