Before COVID struck, government and universities were bigly over-reliant on the business model of massive net migration, half of which was international students (commonly seeking residence).

Government and universities are pleased to advise that they've learnt absolutely nothing from the COVID wake-up call, and they're well on their way back to massive net migration, with even looser work and residence pathways for the "students". What could possibly go wrong?

The relocation of UTas is a bad idea. Historic university towns like Oxford and Cambridge grew organically. They weren't business centres that suddenly had universities plonked in the middle of town. Hobart CBD is squeezed between the Derwent and Mt Wellington and space is at a premium. The docks for example should be too pricy for something as non-heavyweight as an art school. Hotels and big box stores have been taken over for classes and accommodation. I wonder if some students now have lectures and tutorials in town then have to scramble for a bus back to Sandy Bay for the next lecture.

Another comment touches on the immigration angle. I've been told by uni staff the courses are partly a scam. Do a mickey mouse degree and you could become a permanent resident. The rule is or was the graduate had to work in the bush for 2 years but surprise surprise the bush is now defined to include the Gold Coast and Hobart. Take it all back to Sandy Bay and ditch the immigration incentive.

First of all, public land (taxpayers' property) cannot be privatized by a university Chancellor, but only by the presiding government. And then that government in peril of being tossed out by the incensed voters!

That said, if the University is to be privatized? Then a large percentage of its fee structure must be given over as scholarships to the best and brightest from the ranks of the disadvantaged!

Who then should come first in the exams that result in the plum jobs, which need to be filled by the ranks of the most able, rather than the most privileged!

And should be aimed at filling shortfall outcomes in medicine and STEM subjects.

Let the privileged elite go for the arts where their (below average) IQs are not too challenged. To be followed in a degree in fruit picking (me no Speake Unglish) or some such.
Alan B.