18 January 2005 - Media Release

Canberra spirit continues two years on

Two years on from the devastating Canberra fires, my thoughts are with all Canberrans who were affected by the tragic events of January 2003.

The long term impact of the fires cannot be underestimated. The ACT community continue to work together in the aftermath of the fires to support and rebuild affected communities. It is this spirit and determination which makes me proud to be a part of the Canberra community.

As we commemorate this second anniversary, our thoughts are with those in South Australia who last week endured a devastating bushfire, where precious lives were lost. Our hearts go out to them during this difficult time.

Contact: Adina Cirson - 0418 488 295 or 02 6277 3334

18 January 2005 - Media Release

Howard locks 15,000 NSW and ACT students out of uni

15,000 people in New South Wales and the ACT will not be able to go to university because the Howard Government refuses to fund enough places.

The Howard Government is stopping talented NSW and ACT students from going to university with today’s main round of university offers showing thousands of qualified students did not get a place.

The Howard Government was continuing its policy of under-funding education and denying a university place to qualified applicants throughout NSW and the ACT.

Thousands of NSW and ACT students are deservedly celebrating today after being offered a university place.

But we must not forget that many other NSW and ACT students have worked hard and achieved the marks needed but have been refused a place because of the Howard Government’s funding cuts.

Around $1.9 billion has been ripped out of NSW and ACT universities since 1996 resulting in too few university places for young people.

Every year the Howard Government leaves thousands of NSW and ACT students stranded with its absurdly short-sighted policy that is damaging Australia’s long term economic prospects.

Getting a place at university takes years of hard work and I congratulate all the local young people who have made received an offer and hope their commitment continues to be rewarded.

Unfortunately many young people who start university this year will be forced to pay the Howard Government’s 25 per cent HECS hikes. That means many NSW and ACT students could be paying as much as $20,000 for a science degree, $40,000 for a law degree and nearly $15,000 for an arts degree.

The HECS hikes will push the cost of a university education out of reach for many young people from NSW and the ACT. The Howard Government’s 25 per cent HECS increase has resulted in around 3,000 fewer people in NSW and the ACT applying for a university place this year.

The cost of education always goes up under the Howard Government and unfortunately many people in NSW and the ACT will be paying the price.

The Howard Government’s university policy means higher fees and not enough HECS places for young people in NSW and the ACT.

Contact: Adina Cirson - 0418 488 295 or 02 6277 3334