even Issues Papers were offered for review and comment through DEST for the government's comprehensive review of Australian higher education. Over these last few months, the university has studied those issues, invited staff to offer opinions and make contributions, and responded to the government on matters that concern future of regional universities, specifically Central Queensland University.

The university submitted its final comments this week, focusing our remarks on the unique relationship we have with the communities we serve.

If CQU were not available to engage individuals and service the region, then who would? You can read that submission on our website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/cqutour/CQU'sResponsetotheDESTIssuesPapers.pdf . A text-only version of our response it included, below.

The formal review process is now over and the final report is being prepared by DEST; we expect Minister Nelson will take that report to cabinet by the end of the year.

Response to Issues Papers from Central Queensland University.

We welcomed the depth and breadth exhibited by the Issues Papers. Together they canvas issues that need to be addressed by a reform agenda for the Higher Education sector..

Members of this University have participated in a number of the consultative activities undertaken by the review. We are impressed by the openness and the commitment to consultation in the process. As a result of the process, though, most of what we intended to say in a final response has already been said..

Instead, we emphasize here some key points of particular interest to CQU to be considered in formulating the recommendations for reform. If not CQU, then who? The Varieties of Excellence issues paper makes the point that Australian universities are relatively homogeneous and argues the case for providing incentives to greater specialization of institutional roles, including