Regional Universities Network launches new policy statement

The crucial role regional universities play in Australia’s economic and social wellbeing is being highlighted through a new policy statement launched today by the Regional Universities Network (RUN).

Southern Cross University is one of the six member universities of RUN, which has launched Smarter Regions, Smarter Australia, a detailed policy identifying a number of ways the federal government can unlock the full human potential of regional Australia.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said regional universities played a key role in driving Australia’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development.

Two-thirds of the nation’s economic assets and productive activity is located outside Australia’s capital cities, along with one-third of the population.

“RUN universities teach more than 100,000 students across 29 campuses, including 15 per cent of the country’s Indigenous students,” Professor Lee said.

“At Southern Cross University, we have developed strong connections with industry, community organisations and government to ensure we are responding to the needs of the region. Through our research, we are providing many of the solutions for today’s challenges.

“This policy provides a framework for how the government can continue to support regional universities and strengthen our regional communities.”

Professor Lee said the RUN statement built on a policy plan launched earlier this month by Universities Australia.

“There needs to a much greater focus placed on higher education and RUN wants to ensure Australia’s regional communities have a strong voice in this conversation.”

The full detail of the policy plan is available at: www.run.edu.au

Photo: Professor Peter Lee at today's video link launch of Smarter Regions, Smarter Australia.