Minister Barr: Australia’s largest philanthropic gift shows confidence in Canberra’s higher education sector
- Written by ACT Government
Released 12/07/2016
Joint media release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and Meegan Fitzharris MLA
The largest ever philanthropic gift to an Australian university by Canberra-born and educated businessman Graham Tuckwell is a resounding show of confidence in the ACT’s higher education sector.
Mr Tuckwell and his wife Louise will give ANU around $200 million over the next 30 years to build two new residential halls, along with a Scholars House building to house the Tuckwell Scholarship cohort, on the university’s campus in the heart of Canberra to attract the brightest students to the ACT.
The higher education sector is critically important to our city’s economic future. One in every nine Canberrans either attends or is employed at one of our tertiary education institutions. It’s fantastic to see ANU, one of the world’s best universities, receiving this kind of support to help more Australians benefit from the great study experience the capital can offer.
As an ANU graduate I’m particularly pleased to see my fellow alumnus giving such generous support. We look forward to welcoming even more Tuckwell Scholars to Canberra.
Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research Meegan Fitzharris said the gift has the ability to transform Australia’s higher education sector.
“The Tuckwells’ incredibly generous gift, their second to ANU and the Canberra community, will allow ANU to attract the best students from Australia and across the world to Canberra,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“ANU led the way with Bruce Hall, the first co-educational residential college in Australia, and this played a vital role in establishing Canberra as a knowledge-led city through the 1960s, ‘70s and beyond.
“These new residential colleges will shape the next generation of Canberrans who will influence the world around them, either from within Australia or overseas. And at the heart of this is the message that Canberra is a world-leading university city and an education hub.
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring these organisations, including ANU, are able to thrive and to continue providing a world-class education.”
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
