Senator Anthony Chisholm, the Federal Assistant Minister for Education and Assistant Minister for Regional Development, recently discussed the government’s plan to expand university hubs in the Northern Territory in an interview with ABC Radio Darwin. Instead of creating new universities, the government aims to establish study hubs, and regional centers for tertiary education, across the country. These hubs will provide greater flexibility and support to students, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds, and strengthening medical degrees’ availability at Charles Darwin University.
Senator Chisholm emphasized that the study hubs are meant to be accessible centers where students can study remotely from their local communities, rather than opening additional universities. They will be established in collaboration with local councils and offer benefits like essential resources, mentorship, and a sense of community, which are not always available in traditional online study settings. This approach ensures that students from regional areas have access to higher education without having to relocate to larger cities.
The government’s focus is also on smaller townships with limited university access. By providing additional support and a conducive environment for studying, they aim to increase the number of students pursuing tertiary education in these regions. This, in turn, can help retain graduates within their local communities, contributing to essential professions like teaching and nursing.
To realize this expansion plan, the government has allocated over $66 million to double the number of University Hubs nationwide. These funds will be used to refurbish existing buildings or convert shopfronts into study centers. Additionally, support staff, including Indigenous liaison officers, will be employed to encourage and assist diverse communities in pursuing higher education.
While acknowledging the unique experience of on-campus universities, Senator Chisholm believes that the study hubs will foster social interactions among students, albeit on a smaller scale. They will provide a space for collaboration, video conferencing for lectures, and networking opportunities, creating a supportive environment for students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend university.
During the interview, the topic of the University Accord’s Interim Report came up, which proposed an international student tax for sustainable funding for universities. Senator Chisholm clarified that the proposal is still under discussion and has not been fully prescribed. The government intends to seek feedback from universities and stakeholders before making any decisions. The primary focus is on creating a sustainable funding base to support infrastructure and ongoing development in the tertiary education sector.
