Lurching between aspiration and austerity

The massive cuts in funding for higher education are at odds with Australia's aspirations in the Asian Century, warns Paul Wellings, vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong

Anyone who has worked the university sector for any period of time will have witnessed a passing parade of ministers and parliamentary secretaries. For a whole range of reasons, the longevity in office of ministers of higher education in Australia and the UK is usually less than the lifespan of a small mammal. No matter how endearing the qualities of the office holder, vice-chancellors are well advised not to form deep attachments.