September 25, 2019

Investing in tertiary education infrastructure for the 2020s

The IRU has issued a statement on the Emergency Response Fund Bill 2019 and Emergency Response Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019, both currently under consideration by Parliament.

While not the headline intent of the Bills, successful passage of the legislation would see the Government close a substantial vehicle to invest in tertiary education infrastructure, the Education Investment Fund (EIF).

The IRU has responded by saying the Australian Government needs a clear infrastructure policy that addresses where it will directly invest in institutions and to work with universities and States to ensure effective access to private investment options. Until this happens the EIF should remain in place and not be closed through the Emergency Response Fund Bill 2019 and Emergency Response Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019.

Read the full IRU statement (PDF)