The La Trobe U VC laments the Federal budget in a message to staff; “unlike the last year, the federal budget contained no specific assistance for the university sector and made it clear that international borders are not expected to reopen for another 12 months. This will place enormous pressure on university finances …”

But he points to a prodigious plus in the Victorian budget; $100m for, “new state-of-the-art facilities at the La Trobe Sports Park. This will become a major sports facility for elite and community sport in Melbourne’s north- which has been part of our vision all along. It continues the state government’s exemplary record of providing much-needed support for Victoria’s universities during COVID-19.”