From:	Paul Rice [price@sia.net.au]
Sent:	Friday, 30 March 2001 12:28 PM
To:	eet.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject:	EDUCATION IS A NECESSITY NOT A COMMODITY/FREE EDUCATION
Dear Senate Secretary
 
I am writing to you, because I am saddened and disappointed to see what is happening to Higher Education in Australia. 
 
Last year the university I am attending, was going to charge full up front fees because of lack of funding by the government.
I would not have been able to attend because I could not afford it. 
 
As an Australian citizen I have an equal right to a higher education regardless of how much money I have.
 
Even so I have a HECs debt like so many others.
 
Why is education only for the rich or those who want to be continually in debt?  Why was it free in the 1960s and now we pay and funding is being cut?
 
Is it true countries such as France have free Higher Education now, why dont we?
 
How do other governments, countries value invest provide education for their nations?  How do we compare?  Are we in still in the race?
 
How is education or lack of education related to employment or unemployment and the state of a countries economy and quality of life?
 
The clever country are we?
The global economy and society is changing so rapidly, we all need continuing education in all its forms to survive.
 
Why are Austudy payments less than unemployment benefits?
 
Why is the full potential of Australians not being encouraged realised and invested in?
 
Higher education needs to be more flexible to the needs of society and the economy.  Many mature age students would study part time at night if courses were offered part time at night.
 
Most part time employers are not flexible with work hours for full time students.
 
Most employers want someone with experience or an education.
 
I hope to see this topic taken very seriously and real changes and positive outcomes for Australia and equal funding for all universities.  EDUCATION should be free.
 
Yours sincerely
T Rice
34 Webster Road
LURNEA NSW 2170