Xenophon wants broader debate on universities

Further discussions on national higher education reform should include an examination of the economic and social costs of rising university dropout rates, according to independent South Australian senator Nick Xenophon.

In a speech to the senate on 17 March, Xenophon said debate had lacked “a nuanced approach” and focused too narrowly on deregulation.

“This debate has not looked at the issue of university dropout rates, which are very significant in terms of what they cost taxpayers but, more importantly, what they cost students in the months and sometimes years of their lives spent doing a course that they drop out of, where maybe a bit of counselling and guidance could have made a difference,” he said.