Take Competition out of Research and Education

This speech is by Dr. Jim Page, Democrats candidate for the seat of Ryan. Dr. Page touches on some very important points regarding the problems of the current direction of our higher education system, all of which are borne out of this obsession for competitiveness in areas of society that operate best on a collaborative and cooperative basis. Tertiary institutions exist because humanity has a thirst for knowledge, and this thirst is best quenched when administrative bodies, as well as researchers, are not concerned about aiming to be competitive to survive.

I was among a small group of students privileged to speak to Vice Chancellor Glyn Davis some months ago regarding Melbourne University's new Melbourne Model. Contrary to what the Socialist Alternative may tell you on campus, I gathered the impression that Glyn is someone who believes in the core principles of research and education, and is merely playing the game of competition because... well... he has to if his Uni is to flourish. I do not blame University administrations for the state of affairs. I do not blame Glyn Davis for the Arts faculty having to shed large amounts of subjects and staff to stay afloat. I do however blame the Howard government for its disinterest in funding tertiary institutes, not to mention a lack of a plan to tackle student poverty.