OFFSHORE PROVIDER PARTNERSHIPS - REVENUE BEFORE STANDARDS

With university - offshore provider partnerships, the situation is essentially out of control with regards to governance of education. The offshore providers often target students failing to matriculate into local universities. Log-on to the ICAC's Website to see a blow-for-blow description of consequences: Here, look for the University of Newcastle / Wira transcripts. Also, look at Auston International and Informatics under the Google "News" engine and please remember to sort by date.

Minister Brendan Nelson and the Australian Vice Chancellors Committee (AVCC) were warned about similar happenings, while it was happening. Nonetheless, both demonstrated the characteristics of the three wise monkeys. But, their response in ignoring repeated warnings of goings-on was not wise.

Who audits universities? Answer: The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). Who pays for the AUQA? Answer: the Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee. Who participates in these audits? Answer: Sometimes, retired Vice Chancellors. Simply put, it's a closed conclave. Urgently, this Star Chamber needs to be opened to industry and general public representation.

How often are universities audited? Answer, every five years. What was the response to the suggestion that in addition there also be one wildcard (ad hoc) audit each year, to keep all on their toes between scheduled periods? Answer: No reply.

NEED INDEPENDENT EDUCATION SENATORS?

Would readers of this Forum, please provide feedback on the suggestion that Educators, students and interested & concerned parents run three or four Commonwealth Senate Candidates at the next election or by-election.

Please think about the above. Discuss amongst your friends and come back to this Forum.If Nelson and the AVCC cannot handle our education system. We must have concerned people with review power in the Senate.

Relatedly, the media need to hasten deep invetigative journalism into offshore providers to establish why so often Australian universities deal with so many offshore private providers, when the local universities usually do not. Journalists go to it!