Ms MACKLIN (7:53 PM) —While we will not oppose these amendments, because we do not want the money to be lost to the universities, it is very disappointing that the government has not been able to spend this money, given the huge demand in our universities for the funding from the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund. As I understand it, the whole purpose of the fund is to achieve better higher education outcomes in teaching, learning, research and innovation by promoting structural reform in the sector. I think these might even be the government’s own words. So it is very disappointing to see that we have such a serious level of underspending.

As I understand it, we have had a mere 10 projects funded this year, with a total amount of $3.8 million allocated from a $41 million program which was supposed to fund over $13 million this year. I am sure many of the universities are very disappointed that so much money that could have been allocated and that could be put to good use at so many places around the country is not being spent. We are very disappointed. I think it is certainly not good for the universities to see the government fall behind in this way. Nevertheless, it is very important that the money stay in the fund.