Australian Government's University Deregulation Bill Junked By Senate

The Australian government will continue to regulate university fees after the Senate blocked the deregulation proposal for the second time. Majority of the crossbench senators had voted against Coalition’s proposed legislation to remove student contribution limits. The deregulation agenda also seeks to extend funding to private colleges and sub-bachelor programs.

The Guardian reports that the bill was not the same as the legislation the Senate had blocked in early December. Education Minister Christopher Pyne said within minutes after the voting in the Senate that the Coalition will seek a third attempt to push the legislation.

In a statement, Pyne said the Abbott government will return the higher education reform package for the Parliament to consider again. “We will not give up. This reform is too important,” added the education minister.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon reacted to the statement and quoted Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity, which is repeatedly doing things again and again and expecting a different outcome. In an attempt to ensure the legislation’s approval, Pyne had made last-minute changes including the offer to remove the cuts to course subsidies worth $1.9 billion from the main deregulation bill.

Despite the recent changes submitted, the government had angered many crossbench senators due to its previous threat of revoking the funds of a landmark research programme if the Senate did not vote for the legislation. Labour and Greens including several crossbench senators blocked the bill with 34 votes against 30.

Universities Australia said the senate’s decision does not provide a long-term “funding model.” The organisation, which supports free deregulation, has urged a new national dialogue on the issue. Belinda Robinson, chief executive of Universities Australia, remarked that universities can no longer afford to be the subject of a “convenient political football.”

ABC reports that the concessions proposed by the education minister would have added more pressure on the federal budget of about $1.4 billion. After the voting ended, Pyne assured supporters of the deregulation bill that the Coalition will continue to work with senators and other individuals who wish to see the higher education reform package a success.

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