WA education minister defends controversial merger of three major universities
Minister Tony Buti defended a plan to merge three WA universities, citing education quality concerns.
Tony Buti told the ABC that many WA university students are not getting a first-class education. Some are being taught at Year 10 level.
Buti cited low completion rates as a reason for significant reform. Buti also noted weak regional enrollment.
Just 12 per cent of students enroll regionally, against a national average of 30 per cent. The government last week launched a steering committee to study merging the University of Western Australia, Curtin and Murdoch universities.
The proposal has been widely opposed by both universities, students, alumni and unions. Buti said the government has not committed to the merger.
Buti said the government would only proceed if the business case stacks up.
- 12 per cent
- Regional enrollment rate
- 30 per cent
- National enrollment average
- Tony Buti
- Education Minister
- UWA, Curtin, Murdoch
- Universities involved
Why it mattersA merger of this size could reshape university choice and research funding in WA, affecting how students choose institutions.
AustraliaWestern Australian students could face fewer independent universities and potentially reduced course choice if the merger proceeds.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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