The government has systematically been making it harder for the poor to study, despite speeches to the contrary actions speak louder than words:

no right to independent allowance for students;
no aid for buying books;
allowance rates are far too low compared to our "poor" pensioners for example.

What if I'd had the wherewithal, financially to do tertiary study? Imagine me highly educated, with a lot more to offer society?

"Sure most lecturers would like to prescribe their own text, if they had one, but I find it hard to believe most have a text published."

Well that settles the debate then. The rantings of a Lucy-obsessed, anti-Indian, weirdo have to be respected as gospel truth. For anybody who missed Ozzie's previous rants I can link the posts.

Banjo, since govt funding makes up 20% to 50% of a university's funding we aren't entirely public institutions. Which is perhaps the problem. More importantly, its actually the foreign students who subsidise the local students. The foreign students pay about three times as much as the local students for the same courses.

Good news for the students this time - Hales Institute has been rescued by MEGT - a large reputable Australian trainer. MEGT maintained the institute while the administrators did the checking. No students on the streets and trainers and staff kept their jobs.

The whole debate should be focussed on the government regulators that did not do their job. Enough of talk of rorts and scams and look at why the government, state and federal, sat by and let this get out of hand. There is a whole other story that government has been happy to let slip by while the focus is on the 'rogues'

Let us celebrate a good news story of a college that did not collapse!

Just so the facts are set aright. The Hales Institute story is a good news one. It is not actually the result of the change in government regulations. Last year, the owners realigned their financial interests and the college suffered financially as a result. MEGT(Australia) Ltd is proud and pleased to have been able to step in and support students during a transitional phase - guaranteeing them continuation of their studies. Yesterday, MEGT was fortunate enough to acquire Hales Institute and fully intends to continue providing high quality vocational education for this 100 year old Melbourne institution. The premises, facilities, staff and trainers are excellent and we fully intend to ensure students continue to receive high quality education that is fully compliant with AQTF standards. Both domestic and international students are welcome to share in the genuine pursuit of skills that will add value to their lives and the community. Posted 26 March 2010 by the Marketing Manager, MEGT (Australia) Ltd