The university staff union wants 1 per cent of GDP for higher education

The National Tertiary Education Union’s budget submission argues that existing funding arrangements are “totally unsustainable” and that increased spending is needed to;

* eliminate fees for local undergraduates

* increase funding for Commonwealth Supported Places by 10 per cent

* address inadequate support for research and research training

* increase participation of students from equity groups

The union also renews its call for an independent agency with “statutory planning and funding responsibilities” to negotiate/administer performance agreements with each university and oversight the system.