Aust universities look to increase funding for Pacific studies

[Stacey King]

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA
Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:25pm AEDT

This is a radio interview with Dr Max Quanchi who is a good friend and supporter of the Banabans. He visited Rabi to attend 15 December celebrations with Ken and our other good friend Assoc. Professor Grant McCall.

To view a photo of Dr Max catching some sleep on the boat on his way back from Rabi December 2008.

A group of Australian academics is looking at ways of increasing funding and support for Pacific studies in the country's universities. Last year Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signalled he wanted stronger engagement with the region. But his call comes as Pacific studies have either completely disappeared from the courses being offered, or is so low in prominence, many students no longer want to take part in them. As Pacific Correspondent Campbell Cooney reports, that might be about to change.

presenter: Campbell Cooney,
speakers: Doctor Max Quanchi, Queensland University of Technology; Professor David Lowe, Alfred Deakin Institute

Listen: Windows Media