Labor is asking universities for proposals on spending $174m in new money to expand access to higher education access for disadvantaged Australians. Shadow education minister Tanya Plibersek announced the funding last week  (CMM September 5) and is now inviting ideas on how to spend it.

“The new ongoing funding will go towards mentoring support and other specialised programmes designed to boost aspiration, confidence and opportunity in underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.”

Ms Plibersek says the funding is additional to the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme.