Not such good policy, Scott.

If you are looking for an eloquent rationale for the "rejection of the Federal Government's takeover offer," you might read Greg Craven's address to the National Press Club last week.

The very strong worry that Craven expresses (along with several others less conservative than he) is that a federal takeover spells very dangerous conditions for academic freedom. Because universities must answer to two sources of power, they cannot be controlled by one.

This argument strikes me as more deeply important than the economic rationalisation of governance that you propose. We already have very high political interference in the teaching (through federal course approvals), research (through Ministerial approval for research grants), and employment arrangements (through the unprecedented HEWRRS) that universities conduct. As Craven shows, your proposal will remove what little strategic counterbalance we have left.

So... it is NOT true, as you claim, that "A federal takeover of universities and the establishment of a unified and national university sector is what everyone has long wanted." Many inside and outside that sector want the exact opposite. With good reason.

"Australia in the 21st century should put to rest the fiction that states have a role in universities. "

I think that this statement should be expanded outside of the confines of universities and be applied to Australia as a whole.

I am yet to see an argument for maintaining the states. I understand the historical significance of the states, however that's history, and not a reason to keep things going as they are.

The arguement here for removing the influence of the states can equally be applied to the broader education system(s), health etc.

It's time for Australia to evolve.

BN, you must be from the deep south, otherwise you would realise that the people of Queensland, & NSW could not survive without their anual injection of excitement, the state of origin.

This alone is sufficient, if perhaps the only, reason for the continued existence of the states.

first, academics in australia are already 'tamed', but federal control of their income might make it worse.

second, the struggle between state and federal governments is the only aspect of australian society that impedes collapse of civil rights.

third, don't talk about 'ought', unless you have some ideas to offer about 'how'. state pollies aren't about to release their grip on power.