Cautious response to funding changes

Reactions have been mixed to the announcement that reward funding would be restructured and a discount on HECS fees for maths and science subjects removed in the federal government’s mid-year economic and fiscal outlook. Maths, statistics and science units will attract Band 2 contributions under HECS from January 1, 2013. Currently they are designated as national priorities and are subsidised, attracting a maximum student contribution of $4691, which will rise to $8353 with the changes. It is expected to save $403.6 million over the next three years.