George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Although I have not read the statement by Universities Australia, I completely agree with it. I completely agree with the proposition that a better educated nation, a nation with a thriving and flourishing university sector in both teaching and research is overwhelmingly beneficial, and that is why this government is committed to supporting the university sector. That is why we want to encourage more young Australians into universities. That is why we want to improve the research capacity of Australian universities. That is why, as I said to you in answer to your primary question, we have increased spending from $12 billion in 2009 to over $15 billion in 2014 on the Australian government's contribution to university education. We on our side of the chamber are very proud of Australia's universities and we continue to support them. (Time expired)