❓ Minister for Education confirms the government was not formally consulted on university merger negotiations but expresses openness to considering proposals, highlighting funding pressures and prioritising student and institutional interests.
AnsweredQoN 376Legislative Council
Asked
22 June 2005
Member
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the negotiations that have been taking place, and that have now become public, between the vice-chancellors of Murdoch, Curtin and Edith Cowan Universities with regard to merging to establish a super university. (1) Was the government consulted during these negotiations? (2) Will the government support a merger between Curtin and Murdoch Universities, or, alternatively, between all three universities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(1) Was the government consulted during these negotiations? (2) Will the government support a merger between Curtin and Murdoch Universities, or, alternatively, between all three universities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(2) Will the government support a merger between Curtin and Murdoch Universities, or, alternatively, between all three universities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(1) Was the government consulted during these negotiations? (2) Will the government support a merger between Curtin and Murdoch Universities, or, alternatively, between all three universities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(2) Will the government support a merger between Curtin and Murdoch Universities, or, alternatively, between all three universities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
(1)-(2) No, I have not been consulted. I met with the vice-chancellors a few weeks ago, and this matter might have been mentioned, but only in the most general of senses, because what I read in the paper today was news to me. Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Barry House : It seems the Murdoch and Curtin vice chancellors have not been consulted by Millicent Poole either. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Who was consulted and who was not consulted, and who spoke to whom about what potential there might be, I really do not think is an issue. I understand there might have been some interest in this matter in the past. In fact, it has popped up periodically over the past decade or so that a couple of the universities have seen some potential in merging and have explored that path. I am concerned that Western Australian universities are being forced into this sort of situation because of a reduction in real funding by the commonwealth. In my view, that is a disgrace. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. I also want to put on the record that I do not have any difficulties with the universities, be that two universities, three universities or all five universities, having discussions among themselves about their strategic direction, and about how they can better organise their institutions either individually or collectively, or in any combination of the two - Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Kim Chance : In agricultural research the government has actually led those discussions. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : Absolutely. I do not have a problem with those consultations taking place. I also do not have a problem with having a look at what may be proposed or presented to the government should something emerge in a certain form. Today I met with the vice chancellors of Curtin and Murdoch Universities. They have advised me that their institutions are under incredible funding pressure, and that, because they are research institutions, there may be significant benefits if they take a more collaborative approach. However, they have not taken that to their governing councils. There has been no endorsement of this proposal. How that relates to the position of Edith Cowan University, and whether Edith Cowan has sought expressions of interest in relation to a merger, I do not know. I have not meet with the vice chancellor of Edith Cowan University. My view is simple: if the universities want to do some preliminary work, they should go ahead and do that. If they want to put a proposal before me, as the Minister for Education and Training, I will engage with all the universities and look seriously at any proposal that is presented to me. The essence of any decision I make will be to consider what will be in the best interests of Western Australian tertiary students and institutions, and the economy as a whole. I look forward to at least some preliminary work being done in this regard so that we can have a serious proposal. I do not want to take up the time of the house, but I want to put on the record - Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon Norman Moore : It has never worried you before. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is answering the question. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH : I do not think I will continue, Mr President.
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