Coalition to compromise on university reforms

By Leith van Onselen

The Abbott Government’s attempt to overhaul Australia’s university system have hit a pot-hole, with the Coalition considering watering-down some key facets of its reform program in order to ensure its passage through the Senate.

In the May Federal Budget, the Government announced that it would cut-back funding to universities by 20%, deregulate (raise) university fees, and apply a real interest rate to student debts (pegged to the 10-year government bond rate) – moves that would significantly raise the costs of attending university.