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Policy Paper7 A renewed focus on equityWhile in recent years the participation of some disadvantaged groups in
higher education has increased, this has not been the case for all groups.
Additional financial support, culturally appropriate and responsive policy,
clear directives on equity programmes and performance-based rewards are
needed to ensure that there are no barriers to access to higher education
for any groups in Australia. 7.1 Increased funding for Indigenous Support FundIndigenous people are under-represented in higher education, despite improvements over the last decade. Indigenous students represent 1.2 per cent of the domestic student population, but represent 1.9 per cent of the Australian population. The Commonwealth supports activities to improve the participation and success of Indigenous people in higher education through the Indigenous Support Fund (ISF). Based on advice through the Review consultations and to ensure a more effective programme, eligibility requirements have been improved and will include evidence of participation of Indigenous people in the decision-making processes of the institution (which may include existence of an Advisory Committee on Indigenous issues); existence of an institutional Indigenous Employment Strategy; and evidence of the implementation of enabling strategies for improving participation and completions for Indigenous students. Each institution will be required to report on their expenditure of ISF funding and will have to indicate the amount of money provided to an Indigenous Support Centre (should one exist at the institution). The Fund will continue to be allocated according to a performance-based formula. The amount of funding through ISF will be increased by a total of $10.4 million over three years to 2007 to enable institutions to provide greater support for Indigenous people in higher education. 7.2 Indigenous Staff ScholarshipsA strong and visible presence by Indigenous people in higher education reduces cultural isolation and heightens the potential for successful outcomes for Indigenous people studying or working in the higher education sector. Many Indigenous staff at Australia’s public higher education institutions are also leaders and mentors to Indigenous people contemplating or undertaking study, and the demands of this role may limit their professional development opportunities. A scholarship programme will be established for Indigenous staff (academic or general) who have actively encouraged Indigenous students to participate in higher education and complete their courses. The scholarships will enable staff to take one year of leave from their university employment to undertake full-time higher education study in their chosen academic or professional area. This will recognise their commitment to assisting students in higher education and enhance their own academic/professional standing. Five national
scholarships will be awarded per year from 2004, each providing
approximately $10,400 to cover tuition fees for a year, and a non-taxable
stipend of approximately $20,900. The scholarships will be awarded on merit
as determined by the Minister following advice from the new Indigenous
Higher Education Advisory Council, with priority given to people undertaking
postgraduate awards. 7.3 Indigenous Higher Education Advisory CouncilThe Commonwealth currently has no formal mechanism for consultation with the Indigenous community on higher education issues. An Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council will be established to advise the Minister and DEST. The Council will also:
Funding of $260,000 per year will be provided for the Council, which will commence operations in the second half of 2003. 7.4 Enhancement of the Higher Education Equity ProgrammeSince 1990, five equity groups in addition to Indigenous Australians have been recognised as disadvantaged in their access to higher education. These are: people from a non-English speaking background; people with disabilities; people from rural and isolated areas; women in non-traditional areas of study; and people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. These groups of students are supported under the Higher Education Equity Programme (HEEP). While significant improvements in participation and access have been made for some of these disadvantaged groups, the participation of other groups remains a concern. Current equity groups will be reviewed to ensure that HEEP remains focused on groups experiencing significant educational disadvantage. This review will ensure that equity groups are properly identified and performance is measured effectively. It will inform the development of a new funding formula for HEEP. HEEP will be increased by $2.3 million per year from 2005. Funds will be allocated according to a performance based formula to be developed to ensure that institutions remain focused on improving outcomes for equity groups. Block grants will no longer be provided. Institutions eligible for HEEP allocations will include those that:
7.5 More assistance for students with disabilitiesThe Commonwealth’s Students with Disabilities Programme assists public higher education institutions to meet the needs of students whose disabilities require additional infrastructure and services. Funding for the programme will be increased by $1.1 million per year from 2005. This will significantly increase the capacity of institutions to provide access to education for people with disabilities.
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Any comments or
queries should be sent to:
highered@dest.gov.au
Department of Education, Science and Training
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