Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

That $17 billion will grow over the next few years, with funding growth of 23 per cent forecast for universities over the next four years under the Turnbull government's reforms. This, of course, is providing good, strong levels of funding. We're also taking action to ensure that it is more sustainable for the future as well. It's funding growth, but at a slightly slower rate than forecast in recognition of the fact that universities have seen 70 per cent growth in their funding resource since 2009. That's far in excess of economic growth and far in excess of revenue growth. We recognise that, with the growth in student loans as well, there is absolutely a capability for universities to ensure productivity gains and efficiency gains, as has been identified by former vice-chancellors and experts in higher education, who recognise the capability for there to be more sustainable— (Time expired)