The federal government - determined to deregulate university fees and potentially boost degree costs for students - should heed warnings from the Regional Universities Network (RUN).
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RUN made one of 44 submissions to a Senate Committee reviewing the government's proposed law, which would radically alter tertiary education.
RUN has put one issue in plain terms. Regional universities and students need extra funding if they are to survive fee deregulation.
Opposition to the government's plans has been widespread.
There are fears increased fees and other changes could further disadvantage regional students, who already face huge bills ($25,000 to $35,000 a year) while attending universities away from home.
They are also from areas where incomes are lower and family support a bigger challenge.
RUN proposed a $100 million-a-year Competitive Regions Fund to help regional universities stay competitive and also suggested increasing scholarships for country students.
The changes could have economic impacts. The Country Education Foundation said if regional universities did not prosper neither would regional areas.
In the Orana region, 6 per cent of people have a degree against 19 per cent in metro areas. Higher costs could discourage university study. So much for improving regional workforce skills.
RUN said most students who studied at regional universities stayed in the country. Most who studied in cities did not return to the regions. Lose the universities, lose vital skills.
Where are the government MPs who should be protecting their regions?
