ICFAI CAMPUS

124 Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (30 September 2008). What is the status of ICFAI plans to establish a campus in Adelaide and how much state government funding in total will be provided?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change): I have been advised of the following:

ICFAI is considering establishing in Adelaide in a joint venture arrangement with the University of South Australia, in order to offer a number of post-graduate programs. The first program under consideration is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) that would be conducted concurrently with the UniSA Master of Management degree.

Contrary to the newspaper article in the Adelaide Advertiser, 18 March 2008, the State did not sign an agreement with ICFAI. I as Premier witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICFAI and the University of South Australia.

ICFAI is a business and if it wishes to sponsor a university in Adelaide it will have to meet the rigorous Australian regulatory approvals which all universities must undergo.

Financial Issues:

There is no budget allocation required for this project.

Current Status:

ICFAI has contacted the Quality Branch of the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology for advice regarding the required accreditation process.