PRIA launches the Australian Communications Advocacy Group in response to proposed university fee hike
The Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) has launched the Australian Communications Advocacy Group (ACAG), advocating against the federal government’s proposed changes to the university fees for arts and communications students.
The proposed changes announced by education minister Dan Tehan in June, would more than double the price of humanities courses, including communications and PR degrees, following a 91.9% funding cut. At the time PRIA’s national president, Leigh McClusky, condemned the changes, stating they were ‘ham-fisted’ and short sighted.
The ACAG has been formed to advocate for those entering the communications industry
The fee changes come under the government’s ‘Jobs Ready Graduate Package’, which has been designed to encourage study in ‘job-relevant’ fields such as nursing, teaching, maths, science, health and architecture, by lowering the fees.
In a recent article published on Kochie’s Business builders, I quoted the following; “Warren Buffet says by investing in improving your communication skills; you increase your “value by at least 50 per cent”. At the same time, Richard Branson describes communication “as the most important skill a leader can possess”. These guys are no slouches. I could not think of a better fight to take on. Thank you Leigh McClusky, the PRIA and all those mentioned above. I am thrilled to read that “our industries are ready for this fight”. Haven’t we learned anything. Communication isn’t anything, it’s everything. Brands and reputations are built by visual and written communication, and equally destroyed by them. Movements are created by those you can motivate tribes through words and connection. This does not have to be at the cost of STEM. It can powerfully compliment STEM. Who best to translate the wonderful research and outcomes of the STEM experts than communication experts. Behavioural change and education happens through effective, clear communications. Thank you in advance for the energy and advocacy campaign you are about to invest in. Mumbrella, make sure you keep us updated. With gratitude from those who understand the power of words and the positive impact they can have on education and action.