By Darin Ritchie
The current election campaign has seen few new ideas from either the Government or Opposition in the area of higher education. And while a lot of change has occurred in the sector over the last three years to improve equity access and the number of available places, we must be mindful that other countries are implementing their own initiatives that pose a threat to Australia’s ability to have an internationally competitive workforce in the decades ahead.
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Education | Tagged: Australia, Darin Ritchie, Education, TAFE, university | 
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By Darin Ritchie
Hot on the heels of the My School website’s launch comes the announcement of plans for a similar site comparing universities.
Dubbed “My University”, the website aims to put the reputation of Australia’s universities under the microscope to assist students make an informed decision in regards to their tertiary education.
But such a plan may prove much more complex to implement than the My School project – as university rankings are conducted by a range of national and international organisations.
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By Darin Ritchie
The Australian has reported that the number of Australians in tertiary education has hit an equal record 2.4 million – leading some experts to suggest that the rising demographic will increase the political importance of issues relating to tertiary education.
However, we believe that this is an issue that must be considered within a much wider context – taking into account other influential factors.
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By Andrew Rimington
In The Australian:
UNIVERSITIES Australia has warned this year’s big expansion of places is unsustainable and the sector will face a challenge to maintain quality and expand unless backed by additional teaching and infrastructure money.
Universities can currently enrol 10% above their existing approved student enrolment level and have been doing so for some time demonstrating that they can do more for less. However, the issues of quality remains a major concern where universities are driving down costs by reducing the range of subject offering, “dumbing down” assessment requirements and reducing support services and resources for students.
Additional investment is required to ensure that as the Higher Education system moves to a demand-led approach that disciplines linked to skill shortage areas are supported to ensure an increased supply of graduates is maintained.
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By Andrew Rimington
Details on the number of applications and first-round offers for university places in 2010 highlight the gap in our higher education system with 11,600 people missing out on a place at a Victorian university. It is disappointing that thousands of people who are ready and willing to pursue further education are locked out of our universities, particularly when current skill shortages pose an ongoing challenge for Australia’s future.
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