History proves that a good education system is the backbone of any greater economy, and universities were founded to provide expertise in the knowledge required.
The United People's Party believes that schools and universities reflect how we want to grow in the future. Currently, Universities in Australia have freedom to set course fees based on the demand for a given program. Accordingly, no two courses' fees will be the same. Despite welcoming the government's vision on the issue of skilled immigration, reforms to improve education were not in alignment. Combining immigration of skill sets with the development of local talent, as well as support for new talent, will lead to more effective skills development and will help us to fill skills gaps in the job market.
Lack of funding is adding to the problem of our education system. Students have the biggest problem in the early stages, as they fear joining based on the affordability of education loans. Our question should be why we are unable to fill skills locally and we cannot create a platform to enter the job market, even with world-class universities, yet we lack skills in current jobs and are unprepared for future jobs. As entry constraints into the job market and fears of education loan overburden become more prevalent, students are staying away from higher education due to a lack of support from the government in continuing full-time study and maintaining a standard of living.
United People's Party is concerned about the current education system and is committed to changing an education system purely based on merits, willingness, and the aim to fill skills in demand. By supporting the fundamental right to education, we are committed to implementing reforms in education to meet skills in demand for today and tomorrow, where the student's willingness to learn is upheld.
