PM has set solid foundations for the future

The ATN says the elevation of Julia Gillard as Prime Minister should auger well for higher education in Australia. ATN Chair, Professor Ross Milbourne said, “With this change in leadership and Ms Gillard’s comments this week about education remaining a portfolio that is “very close” to her heart we are confident that higher education will continue to receive the attention it deserves.

“The Prime Minister has indicated a long term commitment to ensuring the sector was an integral part of the Australian economy whilst Deputy Prime Minister and we would expect that commitment to remain,” Professor Milbourne said

“We worked really well with her during her time [as education minister]; we liked the fact that education sat within the Deputy Prime Minister’s portfolio and gave it that level of significance that we always thought it should have and we’ve enjoyed working with her, particularly her willingness to consult.”