Released 20/07/2016
Joint Media Release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Meegan Fitzharris MLA
The ACT’s tertiary education sector is critical to the ongoing diversification of Canberra’s economy and today education leaders discussed how the government can continue to support the sector, particularly as it looks for international growth opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellors Forum is made up of the heads of five local tertiary education institutions, Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research Meegan Fitzharris and the Chief Minister.
One in every nine Canberrans either works or studies at one of these organisations and our economic future depends on this sector continuing to grow.
High on the agenda were direct international flights, an International Education Strategy for Canberra, the development of key capability sectors, Study Canberra initiatives and working collaboratively to attract investment to our city.
The establishment of a new Commissioner for International Engagement was also discussed during the meeting, with the Vice-Chancellors giving their support to the position which they say will help support their international activities, in particular attracting partner institutions and new international students. One of the tasks of the Commissioner will be to support our tertiary education institutions with their international engagement.
This new position, together with direct flights to Singapore and Wellington will connect our higher education sector to unprecedented new international opportunities.
The International Education Strategy, which focuses on promoting Canberra as a centre for high quality education and an education destination of choice was also welcomed by members ahead of its release next month.
At today’s meeting, Minister Fitzharris reiterated the ACT Government’s commitment to working with local tertiary education institutions to create strong positive perceptions of Canberra as Australia’s education capital, through programs such as Study Canberra.
A 2014 report commissioned by the Australian National University (ANU) and University of Canberra (UC) found that international and interstate students contribute $879 million per year to Canberra’s economy and create 6,100 full-time equivalent jobs.
Attracting international students to our city makes a significant and direct contribution to our economy, which is why we are only too pleased to work with our local tertiary education providers to position Canberra as a truly great place to study.
With collaboration a high priority, the Forum also welcomed the work that is being undertaken between the ACT Government and each of our education institutions to develop areas in which Canberra has significant capability.
We also agreed to work together on the development of joint investment marketing collateral and to share information on potential investors, and to continue working with the local business community to provide internships for students, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering and maths.
Today’s Vice-Chancellors Forum was attended by Professor Brian Schmidt AC from the Australian National University, Professor Frances Shannon from the University of Canberra, Professor John Arnold from UNSW Canberra, Professor Marea Nicholson from the Australian Catholic University and Ms Leanne Cover from the Canberra Institute of Technology.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases