Peter Noonn and Sarah Pilcher write in The Conversation (16.3.15) discuss their proposal for greater equity in support for young people in tertiary education:
‘Under this proposal, governments would commit to guaranteed public support for tertiary education or training for eligible people between the ages of 18-24 years. This would apply regardless of the type of qualification a student chose, from Certificate III up to full undergraduate qualifications, and postgraduate qualifications for entry to professions.
‘To put an end to the ambiguity and cost shifting between state/territory governments and the Commonwealth, clear responsibilities would be allocated to different levels of government.
‘The Commonwealth would fund all sub-degree and degree level qualifications, regardless of the sector in which they are delivered. States and territories would fund all Certificates, including apprenticeships and other forms of entry level training.’