Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
The Hon Melissa Price MP
Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Science and Technology
Member for Durack
The Coalition Government will provide Pilbara Universities Centre with a further four years of funding to ensure it can continue to offer students in Karratha and Port Hedland the opportunity to participate and succeed in furthering their education.
Pilbara Universities Centre is one of 16 Regional University Centres, covering 24 sites around Australia, that will receive a share of up to $27.9 million over four years.
People in regional Australia are less than half as likely to complete a university degree compared with people in cities. Regional University Centres are helping communities across Australia to reverse this trend.
The centre supported 206 students to pursue a tertiary education at institutions across Australia in 2021.
Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie, said extending funding would enable the Pilbara Universities Centres in Karratha and Port Hedland to continue supporting students and the broader community until June 2026.
“The Centre has been an invaluable resource for the local community and not only offers tertiary education courses but also Community English Courses and an ATSI Youth Leadership Program,” Minister McKenzie said.
“We are extremely proud of the Regional University Centre program, which enables aspiring students from regional Australia to be supported while undertaking study by distance with any Australian tertiary provider.
“These Centres make a real difference to our students, as they no longer have to leave their friends and families to pursue higher education and can remain at home while studying, where their skills can boost local communities and economies, which is part of our plan for a strong economy and a stronger future.
“Our government is investing almost $20 billion in higher education in 2022 – this is 32 per cent higher than under Labor.”
Liberal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, welcomed the announcement and said Regional University Centres offer students access to high-speed internet, dedicated study spaces, computer facilities and importantly, administrative and academic skills, as well as supporting their wellbeing.
“All Australians, no matter where they live, deserve access to high-quality education and these Centres offer the facilities and support local students need to access a tertiary education, which helps to level the playing field with their city counterparts,” Minister Price said.
Only a Coalition Government can be trusted to keep the economy strong and secure a stronger future for regional Australia.
Media contact:
Minister McKenzie – David Edghill | 0477 417 516 | David.Edghill@infrastructure.gov.au
Melissa Price MP – Rosemea Crane |0427 587 395 | rosemea.crane@aph.gov.au