Seven regional universities warn the federal government’s two-year funding-freeze will “dismantle” “important advances in living and education standards.”

“Regional universities hold the key to unlocking a new future for regional Australians, helping create new businesses and a re-skilled workforce – but those initiatives have suddenly and unfairly been put on hold by the Federal Government funding freeze,” says Regional Universities Network chair Greg Hill.

The six member (CQU, USC, USQ, UNE, Federation U and SCU) RUN group plus Charles Sturt U warn; “this policy is likely to see some regional campuses close and will terminate many initiatives which have been cross-subsidised by universities to build capacity in regional communities.”