VICTORIA University could lose more than $4 million a year under the federal government’s plan to cut university funding to boost money for schools.
The cuts, announced last week as part of the National Plan for School Improvement changes to school funding, have been criticised by the state government and Victoria University.
Vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins said VU faced difficult decisions in dealing with estimated cuts of $2.7 million next year and $4.4 million every year after.
“We acknowledge the government will use funds to contribute towards increased funding for schools and we believe in increased investment in the school sector.”
But he said taking funding from universities sent a mixed message.
“It suggests education funding is a zero-sum game, but many studies have shown that public money invested in education at all levels returns a positive economic and social benefit.”
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Under the plan, the federal government would invest two dollars in schools for every extra dollar spent by state governments. Prime Minster Julia Gillard said spending would increase up to $14.5 billion in six years, including an extra $4 billion for Victoria.
But the Victorian government has slammed the cuts to university spending. A statement said universities had a right to feel duped.
“The most needy students will be burdened with greater debt.”
