Federal Election 2019: Labor pledges $7m for Australian Catholic University campus in Blacktown
The development of the Australian Catholic University’s Blacktown campus has received a $7 million boost from federal Labor.
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The development of Blacktown’s first university campus could be fast-tracked with federal Labor pledging $7 million as part of its University Future Fund.
Labor’s shadow assistant minister for universities senator Louise Pratt announced the multi-million dollar commitment towards the Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) infrastructure and teaching in Blacktown on Wednesday, April 24.
Labor has promised to establish its $300 million University Future Fund if elected as part of an investment in tertiary teaching and research infrastructure.
Senator Pratt said the funding coincided with plans to uncap university places in an attempt to open up student enrolments in western Sydney.
“The lack of infrastructure funding and the lack of student places has meant plans like [an ACU Blacktown campus] right around the country have been put on hold,” Senator Pratt said.
“This announcement is about fast-tracking the ability for this new project with ACU and the City of Blacktown to be able to get off the ground.”
ACU’s deputy vice-chancellor (coordination) Hayden Ramsay welcomed the commitment.
“This will mean that the university can even more quickly and with great confidence build the nucleus campus of the new ACU Blacktown University,” Professor Ramsay said.
“It is time now for a university option in Blacktown. This is an announcement for the people of Blacktown.”
Blacktown Mayor Stephen Bali said the funding was an important sign of support from the Federal Opposition.
“The announcement legitimises the long journey we’ve had to get a university here in Blacktown,” Mr Bali said.
“To have a major party actually say what we’re doing here is good and vital is absolutely needed.
“We call on everybody to support this project. Without that support, it would’ve made it more difficult.”
The announcement comes as ACU prepares to open an information centre at an interim building in Main St in the later half of the year.
ACU college will begin offering pathway courses, diplomas, certificates and executive education short courses at the temporary building early next year.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are expected to begin the following year as work gets underway on the construction of a permanent campus as part of Blacktown CBD’s Warrick Ln redevelopment.
A permanent campus is expected to be open by 2024.
ACU will offer degrees across four faculties, including, education and arts; health sciences; law and business; and theology and philosophy.
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