Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Senator Johnston. Is the minister aware that regional universities are often amongst the largest employers in their regions? Is the minister also aware that the vice-chancellor of Victoria's Federation University, David Battersby, said, 'There is every indication that regional Australia will suffer a disproportionate impact from the budget measures relating to higher education'? Minister, has the government done any analysis of the economic impact of its short-sighted higher education policy on regional economies? If not, why not?