In the 2009 Menzies Oration on Higher Education at the University of Melbourne this evening, Professor Larkins will argue for increased funding per student, and the ability for universities to offer students experiences that are different in "kind and cost".

He says Australians must not delude themselves that the university system is performing at anything like the level required to achieve the benefits it can deliver.

Professor Larkins calls for "an environment in which our best universities are able to compete for the best students in a deregulated funding environment that allows them to deliver the quality of education and research that the students deserve and our country needs."

In his Oration which more broadly addresses the role of universities as the foundation of civil and successful societies, he says: "At their best, universities play a vital role in society.  They lie at the centre of a competitive, knowledge-based economy. They are responsible for the education of our leaders, our innovators, our creators and our highly skilled workforce  ...  They provide life-transforming opportunities to young people from all parts of our community and stimulate the economy of the centres in which they are located."

Richard Larkins is also a former University of Melbourne Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

The Menzies Oration on Higher Education at the University of Melbourne honours the late Sir Robert Menzies, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. 

WHEN:   
6.30 pm on Tuesday 27 October 2009   

WHERE:     
Melba Hall, University of Melbourne. The Oration is preceded by a small graduation ceremony.

* A copy of Professor Larkins’ Oration is available, embargoed until 6.30pm.