The Government has added $1 billion to the nation’s research effort, allowing universities to secure an important and continuing role in national recovery.

Announced as part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget on 6 October, the funding will ensure world-class research and discovery can continue on Australia’s university campuses.

It will play a short-term role in stabilising university research capacity and jobs, meaning universities can play their part in the national effort to rebuild the economy.

For the longer term, universities are working with Government on a solution to the research funding gap. A group of Vice-Chancellors is working on recommendations for a sustainable research funding model and are expected to report back by the end of 2020.

The Government also announced it will provide $550 million over the next four years to help students and universities.

This includes 50,000 new short courses, which will be especially important for mature-aged workers looking for new skills.

This adds to the previously announced 12,000 new university places to meet increased demand due to COVID-19.

Both of these important initiatives recognise the need for more education during economic hard times and allow universities to offer places to Australians keen to learn.

This means there are new places for young and older Australians to study and improve their skills right when Australia needs them most.