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Cuts in equity funding, by capping the low SES participation equity programs, would be a false economy, according to Professor Alan Robson, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia.

Professor Robson's comment follows details released by the Coalition that propose to reduce equity funding by $227 million over four years.

"All the evidence suggests that intellectual ability is equally distributed throughout the population and that the future prosperity of the Australian community will be built on the success of the entire population not a privileged few," he said.

"Far too many able young Australians, including many from rural and regional backgrounds, pass on the opportunity to complete a degree because of the high costs of living in metropolitan cities added to the cost of study.

"The University of Western Australia has programs that are aimed at attracting and supporting students who may not otherwise have the opportunity for a university education.

"UWA has had an ongoing commitment to equity and diversity and in 2009 announced a major initiative to raise the aspirations of students in the Pilbara and outer metropolitan Perth, students traditionally under-represented in the university population despite their undoubted academic potential.

"This program - and others like it - will be jeopardised by any cuts in equity funding."

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716