Fed: Regional universities consider merger

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2008
Fed: Regional universities consider merger

CANBERRA, Dec 12 AAP - The planned merger of two regional universities may not be the
last, if the federal government accepts the reported recommendations of a major review.

The reforms, which are understood to be contained in a 200-page report by former University
of South Australia vice-chancellor Denise Bradley, would consolidate the prestige metropolitan
universities while leaving the future of several outer suburban, regional and remote campuses
in doubt, it has been reported.

The Bradley review, commissioned in March, also recommends a national voucher system
and incentives given to enrol students from low socio-economic backgrounds, The Australian
said.

Ahead of the review's release Charles Sturt University and Southern Cross University,
have announced they will consider merging to form a new national university based in regional
Australia.

The merger had a number of potential benefits, Southern Cross vice-chancellor Professor
Paul Clark said, adding more competitive and deregulated environment was making it tough
for small universities.

It would enable the two universities to access a wider academic profile, and offer
more courses to students.

"For instance Charles Sturt offers dentistry and pharmacy. We offer law and forestry
so there are good matches of extensions through there."

Both institutions had significant numbers of students enrolled in distance education programs.

Professor Clark said federal Education Minister Julia Gillard had invited the two universities
to proceed with a merger.

"She has already invited us to seek funding for the feasibility study," he said.

AAP mb/rl/wf

KEYWORD: UNIVERSITY

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