UWA and Murdoch merge education schools to form Australian Institute of Education

12/8/99
Two of Western Australia's universities have united their schools of education studies in a partnership that will be marketed internationally.
Education Minister Colin Barnett this afternoon launched the Australian Institute of Education on behalf of Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia.
The institute combines the resources of both universities' education studies into a single establishment to deliver courses to local students as well as those from interstate and overseas and to enhance teaching, research and community services.
Mr Barnett said the formation of the institute signalled a level of co-operation in the tertiary education sector which he supported and hoped would continue in other fields.
The partnership would add strength to the universities' activities internationally in an increasingly competitive tertiary sector environment.
"The two universities have recognised that they need to be flexible and willing to embrace different ways of marketing their courses and promoting university life in Western Australia in order to take advantage of the opportunities available,"
Mr Barnett said.
"Increasingly, there will be a trend for universities to act collectively to represent both themselves and the State generally, such as in the promotion of Western Australia as a destination for international students.
"I applaud this collaborative effort by the universities which demonstrates an innovative commitment to providing efficient, high quality education."

Media contact: Justine Whittome, Minister's office, (08) 9222 9699