FED: Government to review Norfolk s Greenwich University

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-1999
FED: Government to review Norfolk s Greenwich University

ADELAIDE, April 23 AAP - The federal government today agreed to examine whether the
controversial Greenwich University, based on Norfolk Island, meets the standards set for other
Australian universities.

Education ministers meeting in Adelaide today referred questions about the quality of the
university to a commonwealth committee.

Last month, opposition senator Kim Carr described the university as a "shonky pack of
shysters" and called on the federal government to use its reserve powers under the Norfolk
Island Act to revoke its permit.

Greenwich University was founded in Missouri in 1972 and was formerly known as the
International Institute for Advanced Studies, offering degrees over the Internet.

It moved its headquarters from Hawaii to Norfolk Island last year, where it was established
through regulations passed by the Norfolk Island government.

It has requested recognition from the federal government to operate on the mainland, a
decision which will be based on the commonwealth committee's report.

Federal Education Minister David Kemp said the committee would review the students,
curriculum and resourcing of the university by June 6.

"Norfolk Island has said that if the review shows that Greenwich University isn't up to
standard, it will review its decision," he told AAP.

South Australian Education Minister Malcolm Buckby, who chaired today's meeting, said
ministers were concerned that Greenwich could sell itself as an Australian institution without
meeting the high standards required of other universities.

Asked whether potential students should enrol, Mr Buckby said: "I would suggest that they
reserve their opinion at the moment in terms of waiting off for the report of the federal
committee.

"Norfolk Island are very confident that it will meet the standards of other Australian
universities but to anyone considering applying at the moment, I would advise some caution."

AAP sn/was

KEYWORD: GREENWICH

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