The higher education sector has been among the hardest hit in the Australian economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the Morrison Government has deliberately excluded the sector from the JobKeeper program and now their Job Ready Graduate program will make it harder and more expensive for students to attend university.

Australia is suffering from the effects of the deepest recession in almost a century and the decisions this government has taken are making it harder for people to go to, or work at, university.

In these times, the Australian Government should be improving learning opportunities, not taking them away.

Local universities in my electorate are feeling the effects of the Morrison Government’s COVID failures.

Griffith University is expecting a $700 million shortfall in revenue between now and 2025, due to the reduction in international students and the absence of adequate support to assist with the shortfall.

Universities are left with no choice but to make difficult decisions about staff, course and program offerings.

The local community is very concerned about the proposed changes at Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art, and I hate to see students miss out on doing what they love.

The lack of federal leadership and support for the University sector means local students and staff suffer.

I have written to the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, seeking assurance that young people and prospective students won’t miss out. I am yet to receive a response.

WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2020