Universities sell a product. Education is touted as an "export". Objections to deregulation are based purely on socialist principles of taxpayers paying for tertiary education for all, no matter whether they are suited to it or not.

"Expanding an industry rather than creating renown institutions of learning
Creating a need to attract more students
A need to expand courses on offer
Lowering University entry requirements
Lowering course pass marks
Awarding degrees based on declining standards
Passing expansion and operating costs on to students
Making graduates debtors for half their lifetime."

These are things which are already happening. What we really need is a reduction in the number of universities and an expansion of institutions promoting useful vocational training instead of the current plethora of useless "Mickey Mouse" courses. The word "university" is a misnomer in a substantial number of the current institutions. There are also too many students entering universities without the intellect to even complete first year, let alone finish a full course. This particularly applies in the most important areas of science and engineering and pedagogy.

David

I thought universities were a bit more than exporters of education. Even if that is how they are regarded by some, earning much of their income from higher fee paying overseas students. They should also serve the national interest in other ways such as meeting the needs of Australia by producing highly educated graduates in appropriate fields and by undertaking quality research.

Objections to deregulation have far more to do with efficiency and effectiveness of the way universities operate rather than a socialist ideal. If the plethora of Australian universities really competed, rather than merely duplicating each other, there would be fewer of them and their standards and reputation would be rising not falling.

Why don't the senate look at the grossly overpaid and corrupt University management as well.
Oh that's right the comparison with the Australian Senate would be rather painful. They both suffer exactly the same problems and types of members.
I also agree with the previous negative comments but point out the crooks in charge could not give a Continental what we think. That is, the members of both institutions.

Why don't we have both
Public Universities where is fully funded by Us, BUT they teach what the community needs Doctors,engineers etc
Private universities not funded at all by public purse, these can teach Art,Dance,Politic's etc all the non useful stuff.

Education is not a commodity, but a right and or, an essential not for profit service!

And as such; a guarantee of our combined national future prosperity!

End of story!
Rhrosty.