Commitment to establishment of Kalgoorlie University College reaffirmed

17/11/95

Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore today reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to the establishment of the Kalgoorlie University College.

Mr Moore said the issues raised by the Western Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy were being discussed and there was a meeting scheduled between the university's interim council representatives and the chamber.

"The issues raised by the chamber are not a barrier to the amalgamation of the WA School of Mines and Kalgoorlie College," he said.

"In fact, university college would provide the increased capacity to co-ordinate professional mining education and training across the State.

"WA is about to enter a resources boom and the Government is taking steps to ensure there are enough appropriately trained graduates to support the predicted growth.

"University college will be one of the education providers that is expected to produce quality graduates to meet the future needs of the mining industry.

"The Government is working hard to attempt to accommodate the needs of the Kalgoorlie community, the chamber, the industry and the educational providers."

Mr Moore said the Government and Curtin University had successfully resolved a whole range of issues relating to the quantity of graduates and the provision of courses.

"The Curtin University Council is expected to endorse the amalgamation at its next meeting," he said.

The Minister said it was planned to introduce legislation to create the Kalgoorlie University College when Parliament resumes in March 1996.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595