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Media Release

SENATOR THE HON. ERIC ABETZ

Special Minister of State Liberal Senator for Tasmania

A03/27

28 November 2003

Tasmania a major winner with extra tertiary funding - but only if the Senate passes uni reforms

The Australian Government has made a major new investment in Tasmanian tertiary education today, but unless the Senate passes the reforms Tasmania will miss out, Special Minister of State, Senator Eric Abetz said today.

The Tasmanian Liberal Senate Team is urging all Tasmanian Senators to support our University and the Australian Maritime College and vote to pass the Government’s Higher Education reform package.

“The Howard Government is making approximately $12 million available to upgrade the University of Tasmania medical school and $11.7 million for the Australian Maritime College in recognition of their status as National Institutes that serve specific communities.

“There is only one way in which our higher education providers can receive this funding - and that is if all Tasmanian Senators support it.

“The Labor Party has to stop its constant obstruction and allow the Government to get on with the job of governing,” Senator Abetz said.

The total value of the package on offer is $1.6 billion over four years and more than $2.4 billion over the next five years.

It is critical that this reform package is passed this year to enable Universities to begin to implement the changes and accommodate additional students from 2005.

Note: Attached to this statement is Education Minister, Brendan Nelson’s media

release with all the details of the proposed enhancements.

Ends: Friday, 28 November 2003

More information: Lincoln Folo 0407 100 523