Mixed response to deregulation of uni fees

The University of Newcastle says it will remain committed to ensuring people from all walks of life have the opportunity to further their education, despite changes announced in the Federal budget. Students Association Welfare officer at the University of Newcastle, Katherine Jones says deregulating fees could result in lower standards at regional universities. The University of Newcastle says a new medical research future fund announced in the budget is a long term investment in Australia's health. Vice-chancellor McMillen says the future fund means the government has recognised there are significant health returns through investment in health and medical research. "Here in the Hunter we have very strong health and medical researchers and this will support younger people going into research knowing that there is this longer term investment that will be contributing to help them solve the problems of the future," she said.