Future university for South Australia

Today I signed a Statement of Cooperation on behalf of the Australian Government to work with the South Australian Government and the Universities of South Australia and Adelaide to create a new university for South Australia.

This agreement represents a big step forward in the realisation of a tremendous opportunity for the future of education in South Australia.

The proposed new Adelaide University will be a powerhouse of research and a beacon for both domestic and international students.

International education is a critical national asset. It is Australia’s biggest export that we don’t dig out of the ground.

This plan will make South Australia more competitive in attracting students from around the world.

This new university will draw on the existing strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

It will follow their proud tradition of excellence in education – but in a bigger and bolder way.

Leadership matters in making big important reforms like this happen.

I congratulate Premier Malinauskas for his leadership and the Vice Chancellors of both universities for their work in getting this done.