In 1974 the Federal Government abolished tuition fees for all
government institutions and took over full funding responsibility
for universities and colleges of advanced education from the
States. This study investigates the process of funding tertiary
institutions and the somewhat different position and importance
in the funding process of technical and further education
colleges compared with universities and colleges of advanced
education is clarified and explained.
The influence of the changing economic circumstances of the
late nineteen seventies upon the level and method of funding
is considered. The role of the Tertiary Education Commission
as a major influence within the funding process and its role
in decisionmaking is outlined and its power acknowledged.
The Federal Government attitude to the level and pattern of
funding tertiary education has altered significantly since
1974. To illustrate the extent and nature of changed
government priorities,trends in funding and the implications
of such trends are examined and analysed. From this data
emerging problems as universities and colleges of advanced
education face the difficulties of expenditure restraint
are identified. It is noted that not all the effects of
restraint have negative consequences, in fact there may be
some positive benefits to be derived.
The field study investigates the currently increasing demands
for our tertiary institutions to be more accountable for the
public funds they spend. Questions associated with the demand
for accountability- the difficulty of defining what is meant
by accountability; accountability for what, to whom, when,
how and why in relation to the funding of tertiary education
are discussed, associated problems and possible solutions
highlighted.
Finally, some reflections upon the process of funding tertiary
education are expounded and conclusions are drawn from the
investigation undertaken and data presented.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219006 |
| Date | January 1980 |
| Creators | Higgins, Janette Lesley, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Janette Lesley Higgins |
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