The higher education policy merry-go-round

By Paul Kniest (NTEU National Office). In the very first episode of Yes Minister, Bernard Woolley, Principal Private Secretary to newly-appointed Minister Jim Hacker, observes that there are ‘two kinds of chairs to go with two kinds of ministers: one sort that folds up instantly and the other sort that goes round and round in circles.’ Christopher Pyne has certainly demonstrated that he is not the sort of Minister for Education to fold. But Pyne’s relentlessness shows Bernard’s words may have some truth because his continuing unsuccessful attempts to negotiate the passage of his policies through the Senate is going round and round and not getting anywhere in a hurry. More...