15 November 2023
In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS MLC (18 October 2023):
- Can the government clarify whether the One Nation education policy was considered as part of its negotiations with One Nation with regard to the university merger?
- Will the government rule out inclusion of a One Nation freedom of speech clause similar to that that the party proposed at a federal level in any state university act?
The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Innovation and Skills has advised:
- The One Nation education policy was not considered as part of its negotiations with One Nation with regard to the university merger; and
- The federal Higher Education Support Act 2003 includes a definition of academic freedom. All table A providers, including South Australia's three public universities, are subject to this legislation. Following appropriate approvals, the new Adelaide University will be a table A provider and will be subject to the Higher Education Support Act. Given the definition exists in federal legislation, the government sees no reason to include any additional requirements for free speech or academic freedom in university establishing legislation.