13 May 2009
Monash University Vice-Chancellor Richard Larkins has welcomed the additional investment in Australia's higher education sector announced in yesterday's Federal budget.
The budget allocated $71 million for the expansion of the Monash Health Research Precinct based at the Monash Medical Centre, Clayton.
The expansion, developed through a partnership between Southern Health, Monash University, Prince Henry's Institute and the Monash Institute for Medical Research, aims to accelerate knowledge transfer from research outcomes in the laboratory to clinical trails based at the Monash Medical Centre.
"The creation of this new facility will further strengthen research infrastructure in and around Monash University's Clayton campus and is a tribute to the hard work of Monash staff who worked on the concept with their partners over several years," Professor Larkins said.
Professor Larkins also welcomed the $8 million allocation over four years to support the establishment and development of a European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) facility also to be based at the University's Clayton campus.
As an associate member of the EMBL, Australia is collaborating with a world leader in molecular biology research. This measure will support Australia's participation in major international research projects and also provide access to the EMBL's world leading research infrastructure and expertise in bioinfomatics, researcher training and research commercialisation.
An additional $48 million has been allocated to rapidly advance the development of the Australian Data Commons through broad engagement with the research sector. This is expected to be achieved through the Australian National Data Service (ANDS).
Professor Larkins said overall the 2009-10 Federal budget delivered a substantial package of reform to the university sector in response to many recommendations made in the recent Bradley and Cutler reviews.
"I particularly welcome the Federal Government's commitment to the proper indexation of the Commonwealth Grants Scheme which funds the Government's contribution to education" Professor Larkins said. "This will arrest the progressive decline in real Government funding evident over the last dozen years or so."
"The move towards funding the full cost of research is also an important step forwards for the university sector, reversing years of inaction in the area and helping to ensure Australian researchers can properly compete on the world stage.
"The Federal budget also recognises the need for additional university places, plus provides for the adequate funding of places in the crucial areas of teaching and nursing.
"I also applaud the additional equity measures contained in the budget, meaning more potential students from lower socio-economic areas will be able to access a higher education regardless of their social and financial status.
"The lowering of the age of independence from 25 to 22 years is an important step towards encouraging university access, while the addition to the stipends for post graduate research students will ensure we can continue to attract and support top quality researchers.
"The continued investment in university infrastructure through further rounds of the Education Investment Fund is also welcomed.
"Altogether, this is a visionary budget for universities which will ensure that Australia continues to be a leader in higher education, innovation and research."
Media Contacts: Tim Mitchell on 0437 457780 or +61 3 9903 4840.
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