Andrew Barr has announced the release of the Bradley Report into merging the University of Canberra and CIT.
Professor Bradley recommends an amalgamation should proceed underpinned by the following:
— Respect and value accorded to the unique characteristics of each partner
— Respect and value accorded to the values, culture and traditions of each sector and
— Understanding of and respect for the strengths each will bring to the new institution.Professor Bradley also recommends that if the ACT Government elects not to establish a new institution, it provides the CIT with greater independence.
Professor Bradley recommends that the new institution commence operations on 1 January 2012. The establishment of a new institution or greater autonomy for CIT would require legislative changes that would need to be considered by the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Education and Training Directorate is calling for public feedback on the report. The consultation closes on 23 September.
The final recommendation won’t go to Government until November which doesn’t leave a lot of time to make some big changes.
[Pictured: Professor Parker (UC), Andrew Barr, Adrian Marron (CIT), Professor Bradley AC.]
UPDATE: UC Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker has endorsed the report:
“I agree with Professor Bradley that a new dual sector university for Canberra represents a great opportunity for our city. This innovation would mean more jobs in teaching, more jobs in research, a more skilled workforce for the capital and more students from a wider range of backgrounds benefiting from a quality education with linked pathways and opportunities. Examples abound, in health, construction, design and technology, where by bringing our current offerings together we can create new ones and meet the needs of employers.
“Speaking at the University of Canberra last year Andrew Barr outlined a vision for Canberra where more people work in education and research than in the public sector. Professor Bradley’s recommendations could help realise that vision.
“Education’s external earnings already make the largest contribution to the ACT economy of any industry outside government services. This contribution will grow further under a new vision of Canberra as an education city as we approach the Centenary year.
“My governing body, the UC Council, considered the Hawke Report in March and in April. It endorsed the idea of merger on the basis of certain principles, most of which Denise Bradley has now affirmed, in particular parity of esteem between the two current institutions and the avoidance of compulsory job losses due to the merger. I do not predict a change in position on these issues.
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