Wannon MP Dan Tehan confirmed the commitment on Friday, following a meeting with the Warrnambool Tertiary Education Community Committee (WTECC). 

Mr Tehan said the state government has also indicated its willingness to assist. 

He said it was “real money” and not tied to the outcome of the election. 

“The federal and state governments, Deakin University and Federation University are still having discussions,” he said. 

“We are expecting an outcome within the next couple of months, which will provide an ongoing, viable higher education provider based in Warrnambool.” 

The councils of Deakin and Federation universities met this week. Spokespeople for both universities said the Warrnambool campus was discussed at the meetings.  

“Deakin’s Vice Chancellor (Jane den Hollander) had told me there is no resolution and it’s business as usual,” Mr Tehan said. 

WTECC chairwoman and Warrnambool mayor Kylie Gaston said Mr Tehan fought hard to secure the cash.  

“It’s not a political football – it’s on the table,” she said. 

The committee’s final recommendations say Deakin must work to facilitate a deal to secure a new provider, or stay in the city.

They say the community has a strong willingness to work constructively with the university to ensure a deal can be reached and that willingness extended to Federation University.