The government’s higher education bill passed the Senate late afternoon. But critics should keep the venom on ice.

The government has agreed to a review of the legislation in 18 months.

Critics of the now reduced funding rates for STEM subjects will use this to make their case. In fact, they already are.

Last night Science & Technology Australia’s Jeremy Brownlie said the review, should “assess the adequacy of funding rates for STEM so we don’t end up with fewer STEM places when the government wants more of them.”

(The Senate committee inquiry into the then bill had proposed a review in two years, CMM October 1)