The federal government has adopted all the recommendations in the Halsey Review of regional, rural and remote education (CMM April 16).

Most of Professor Halsey’s recommendations focus on access to school education but two deal with the post-compulsory years, supporting RRR students in the transition from school to training and higher education and expanding dual VET/higher education programmes and two-year associate degrees.

The Regional Universities Network was quick to back the government yesterday, saying, “the government has acknowledged that a place-based approach is needed for regional education, and that a one-size-fits-all policy does not work.”

RUN chair Greg Hill (Uni Sunshine Coast VC) added, “establishing a national focus for regional education, training and research to enhance access, outcomes and opportunities in the regions was the first step.”

However, Professor Hill also went the full Oliver and asked for more, suggesting the now abolished policy of demand driven funding of undergraduate places should exist for his members. “The flexibility of a demand driven student system for both bachelor and sub-bachelor places is needed to grow opportunities for regional students and communities.”