19 November 2002 12:32
Fed: Greenwich ban supports integrity of university sector - AVCC
CANBERRA, Nov 19 AAP - New laws banning suspect institutions such as Greenwich University on Norfolk Island would
protect the integrity of the university sector, vice-chancellors said today. A bill passed through federal parliament
yesterday, closing down the so-called university which had already been thrown out of the United States, New Zealand and
the state of Victoria. The bill brings external territories, such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and the Cocos
group, under the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes. Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee
(AVCC) president Deryck Schreuder said the legislation would reassure both overseas and domestic students their
university would deliver a high quality, accredited degree. "This move is about ensuring that no institution in
Australia can call itself a university unless it meets nationally recognised quality standards," Professor
Schreuder said in a statement. "It is only right that universities based in Australia's external territories
should meet the same standards as those applied in the states and territories. "This legislation will ensure that
those standards are maintained, thus protecting the integrity of Australia's higher education system." Prof
Schreuder said the AVCC did not make judgments on non-member institutions but had long been concerned that Australian
governments effectively implemented the standards set under the national protocols. These protocols determined which
institutions could be called universities and which other institutions might offer higher education awards. Prof
Schreuder said the quality and reputation of Australia's higher education sector was vital to the future growth of,
and contribution to, the national economy. Australia's education and training sector contributes more than $4
billion to the economy. Opposition science spokesman Kim Carr said yesterday that Greenwich boasted internet courses in
advanced alchemy, new mysticism and intuition. Greenwich had a chancellor, Dr John Walsh, known as The Duke, who had
bought royal titles to the Russian and French thrones. AAP dep/sw/ph/de
[AIW [Asia Africa Intelligence Wire]] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
