Mr HOLLIS (10:44 PM) —Last Wednesday, 25 August, a very significant award was presented to the University of Wollongong—Australian University of the Year. I usually do not find myself in a position of agreeing with the Treasurer, but his remark at the ceremony last week in which he described the University of Wollongong as `the best of the best' was entirely accurate. I have seen the University of Wollongong develop into a fine tertiary institution with very crucial links with the entire Illawarra region. We have been served by three outstanding vice-chancellors: Michael Burt, Ken McKinnon and, currently, Gerard Sutton. I served on the University of Wollongong Council for many years and can recall when it was simply a college of a Sydney university. In one year short of a quarter of a century, the University of Wollongong has established a formidable reputation both in Australia and throughout the world.

In the Illawarra, it is the second largest employer after BHP, with a staff of 1,500. In 1998, direct spending by the University of Wollongong amounted to $187 million. With a flow-on of spending, it is estimated that the institution contributes nearly $500 million to the Illawarra economy. The University of Wollongong is the academic home for some 14,000 students, servicing both young and mature students from the Illawarra itself, other parts of the state and overseas. The University of Wollongong was awarded joint winner of the Australian University of the Year for its outstanding record in research and development and its partnerships with industry. The Illawarra Mercury reported on its front page that the Treasurer `gave Wollongong University special praise, saying it had won despite its youth and it was now the second largest employer in the Illawarra region'.

The University of Wollongong earned more in research funding as a share of operating budget than any other Australian university last year. Research and development is the key to the economy of today. The Australian Industry Group released a report on 29 August 1999 entitled, Trends in research and development expenditure in Australian manufacturing, revealing that manufacturing research and development has fallen for the third year in a row from $2.3 billion in 1995-96 to $1.9 billion in 1998-99. The Howard government cut in the research and development tax concession is a major factor underlying this fall.

All of us from the Illawarra are extremely proud of this recognition. It confirms that we can and do succeed despite enormous odds. It confirms that we can build an important institution, link it with industry to test dynamic ideas and come out at the other end with fantastic results not only for the region but for Australia and, indeed, the world. People in the Illawarra never, ever have to feel that we are somehow second best, which is the narrow view that others from outside the region like to sometimes impose upon us. We categorically reject this. Our view is not limited by the escarpment to the west, Stanwell Park to the north and the Shoalhaven River to the south. Our view is one of the world. I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, and all the staff at the university for this outstanding award. It is prestigious, builds further on an already substantial reputation and is absolutely well deserved for the `best of the best'. May the University of Wollongong continue with its outstanding research and academic performance. I congratulate all associated with this award.