The 7th Annual Higher Education Summit (2009)

The Bradley Review and the Federal Governments response to implement reforms have been proactive steps in dealing with regional higher education, according to Vice Chancellor of the University of Ballarat, David Battersby.

Mr Battersby spoke at the recent BHERT Regional Higher Education Engagement Forum held in April this year.

He said the forums discussion had been instrumental in terms of responding to the issue of regional higher education reforms.

In many ways, the Bradley Review, I think, has identified this as the key public policy issue for the current Federal Government.

Mr Battesby said the proposal to merge rural institutions was an important discussion for regional Australia due to the importance of regional communities to the country.

They contribute economically to the growth and wellbeing of this nation so I think its important to consider that in light of what is then required in relation to both university and TAFE provision in regional Australia, he said.

Mr Battersby said universities in regional communities and TAFE institutions did not exist in a vacuum but were part of the community.

Mr Battersby said the BHERT Regional Engagement Forum allowed the sharing of initiatives and a discussion on how to respond to the Governments initiative of increasing admission into higher education for people of low economic status.

Thats one of the great elements of this sort of gathering where we bring together like-minded people, with a real passion [and] interest in regional issues, he said. You cant help but walk away from a conference like today really enthused about all the ideas that did come up and ideas Id like to take back to my institution to trial.