Former premier Denis Napthine will head up a new advisory group aimed at driving up the number of rural university students as part a $134 million federal government boost to the tertiary sector.
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Under the package, the Morrison Government promised Australians living in regional and remote communities would have greater access to higher education.
The additional funding brings the total government investment for regional higher education to $400 million over five years.
This includes $34.1 million for an additional 1955 scholarships for regional and remote students, more than doubling the current 1200.
About $92.5 million will go towards supporting more students at five regionally focused universities, including Victoria’s Federation University’s Berwick campus.
The government has also allocated $7.5 million to support 16 regional study hubs in 22 locations.
A national strategy to drive increased participation in post-secondary education will be developed in response to the recommendations of Emeritus Professor John Halsey’s independent review into regional, rural and remote education.
The Expert Regional Education Advisory Group will be established to advise the government on the ongoing education and training needs of regional communities.
The group would also investigate the merits of establishing a rural education commissioner to oversee the implementation of the strategy.
Education Minister and member for Wannon Dan Tehan said every Australian, no matter where they live, should have access to Australia’s world-leading higher education system.
“Our commitment to regional education is in the national interest because we need to support regional communities to retain and attract smart young people,” he said.
“The Morrison Government is making a real and lasting difference in the lives of students, their families and communities throughout regional, rural and remote Australia.
Former member for South West Coast Dr Napthine said that as a former regional MP he had seen firsthand the extra challenges that children from the bush faced in getting a higher education.
He said the advisory group would help ensure country kids got the same opportunities as students in the city.
“Thriving regional and rural communities are key to Australia’s success and they need a high-performing education system that supports students and universities in regional areas,” he said.
