September 4, 2018

IRU supports Labor funding announcement

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) network has welcomed Labor’s announcement today that a Labor Government will boost funding underpinning low socioeconomic (SES) university attainment.

Shadow Education Minister Tanya Plibersek said the money will go towards “mentoring, support, and other specialised programs designed to boost opportunities for university study in communities where graduation rates are low”.

IRU members have been critical in raising enrolments from low SES communities.

IRU Executive Director Conor King said:

“This Labor announcement recognises the importance of funding to help universities attract and support students whose backgrounds could otherwise hinder their pursuit of university education.

“The extra money announced today will allow Labor, if in Government, to tie support funding to the number of students needing it so it grows in line with enrolments. That would give universities an added incentive to attract students from low SES backgrounds.”

Read more about the IRU’s approach to attracting low SES students