The 2021 federal budget just handed down is one of the biggest spending budgets in Australia’s history, as it should be. This is not only a real shame but a missed opportunity; universities are vital to our future prosperity. Major initiatives included the establishment of the “full-employment policy” as well as the creation of the Australian National University. It is easy to forget the importance of the research role of our universities, but Coombs’ postwar reconstruction featured research universities for good reason. Research universities provide the underpinning knowledge to adapt to a rapidly changing world, whether it be a pandemic or climate change.

Source: The Guardian May 12, 2021 02:12 UTC