Australia commits $A84m to tertiary education needs

By GERALDINE PANAPASA, Wansolwara

The Australian Government has committed $A84 million ($F126.7m) to the new Australia-University of the South Pacific Partnership, aimed at supporting efforts to meet the tertiary education needs of the Pacific over six years.

The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who arrived in the country yesterday for a two-day official visit.

Mr Morrison said the partnership would also support the Pacific to implement its new Regional Education Framework, with a focus on improving the quality of teacher education in the region.

During a visit to The University of the South Pacific in Suva today, Mr Morrison spoke about Australia’s strengthened relationship with Fiji and the role USP played as the region’s premier institution.

“USP understands respect, quality and openness, and thrives because of all of these things. Australia is not a remote observer of the Pacific. It is our home also and we’ve got a say in what happens here,” the Australian PM said.

“We must work together.”

USP vice-chancellor and president Professor Pal Ahluwalia said the Australian PM’s visit to Laucala campus was a historic and proud moment.

He said USP and Australia had enjoyed a longstanding relationship since its inception in 1968.

“The Australian Government has worked with and supported the university over the last 50 years. We’ve just celebrated our golden jubilee during which our partnership and friendship were duly celebrated.

“The Australian Government’s assistance has meant that the university has been able to meet its critical needs through infrastructure development, provision of scholarships, ICT, enhancing research performances and numerous capacity-building initiatives.

“This has helped to enhance the university’s reputation and global standing, and cemented its place as an exemplar of regional co-operation and integration.”

Prof Ahluwalia highlighted Australia’s support towards USP including the construction of the university library in 1988, the construction of the AusAid Lecture Theatre in 1998, which is now renamed Australia-Pacific Lecture Theatre, the development of our finance system and the establishment of direct internet connection between USP and Australia in academic research network.”

He said the partnership agreement would support the university’s strategic ambitions, which was a major drive in improving the quality of teacher education and training in the region, providing students with the skills required to meet the needs of the Pacific region.

• Geraldine Panapasa is the supervising editor-in-chief of Wansolwara, USP’s award-winning student training print and online publication.