Put surplus windfall into unis: UA

With the coffers looking fuller than expected, the government should finish the Bradley jigsaw, according to the peak universities body.

Universities can claim partial credit for the better than expected economic outlook - and should be rewarded accordingly - according to Universities Australia CEO Dr Glenn Withers. Last week's economic statement from Treasurer Wayne Swan contained a rosier outlook than the projections in the May budget, despite the reduced income from the renegotiated resources tax. It predicted better nominal GDP this year, a lower peak in net debt and a $2 billion increase in the next budget surplus in 2013 - largely on the back of booming commodity prices expected to add an extra $6 billion to revenue. But...