17 April 2008

Victoria University people participating in the Australia 2020 Summit will take the views of Melbourne's west with them.

Victoria University's Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman has participated in local summits and the outcomes will be formally submitted to the national summit for consideration.

Professor Harman said: "The University appreciates the fact that our local politicians have given a voice to the communities of Melbourne's west, through local summits."

"I will be taking some very clear messages with me."

"Australia should ensure that the western region of Melbourne has a competitive regional profile and that one or more commercial hubs or activity centres are developed in the region, and that further consideration be given to employment and innovation in the western region."

"Australia needs a national vision for a holistic approach to education which works at a local level in Melbourne's west to ensure people can get the best possible education. We need this for a strong local region and to give everyone a fair chance in life."

"Climate change must be taken seriously. We need to set a target for 2020, together with an implementation plan. Melbourne's west can take a local lead by putting in place actions to meet the target."

"We need to invest in infrastructure nationally and in specific areas of high congestion such as Melbourne's western suburbs - with recognition of both environmental and economic costs. There is a massive east/west divide in Melbourne, in transport services, education and health facilities, telecommunications and broadband services, and urban renewal."

"To make this happen we need to find the money - for example by mobilising superannuation funds."

"The western region of Melbourne led Australia in its manufacturing heyday. It can again lead the nation through cooperative local action and be a shining example in the areas of climate change, employment, education and health."

The four VU people participating in the 2020 Summit are:

Associate Professor Santina Bertone, Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Business and Law, in Australia's Future in the World focussing on new sustainable ways of working and living in our communities.

Mr Ken Loughnan, AO, VU Council Member, in Productivity Agenda - Education, Skills, Training, Science and Innovation, focussing on a closer linkage between education at all levels and partnerships between Australia's training institutions and employers.

Professor Elizabeth Harman, VU Vice Chancellor, in Productivity Agenda - Education, Skills, Training, Science and Innovation, focussing on the development of a national vision for a holistic approach to education.

Ms Elleni Bereded, VU's Office for Industry and Community Engagement, in Communities and Families focussing on government policy to contribute to a socially inclusive Australia.

Media Contact: Ms Christine White, Media Manager,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4322; mobile: 0434 602 884