I agree that govt policy of encouraging migration and expanding the Australian population to a level where the authorities themselves had not anticipated has led to massive problems financially as well as outpacing our infrastructure required for this rapid expansion. I am aware that universities are nothing like they were when I was prancing about in them, able to access studying there with token charges for any subjects studied. I did that for some 15 years, mostly part-time. I can understand why your daughter is seeking a higher hourly rate if her rate of pay is no better than 2008 levels. That is appalling and extortionist.
Professionals should be paid appropriately. Evidently, the pursuit of the money by today's universities has them offering more places in courses in which students are attracted. Sadly, universities are now like businesses rather than ivory towers of learning as they were once. Can't see any of that changing in the near future. I'd be angry if the job I was performing was not being recognised for its value by paying appropriately. I guess nursing would be seriously considered by her, under the circumstances.
I can remember a time when nurses' pay was quite a way beneath that of teachers but then one large bump up took it to teachers' level. Personally, I always resented that primary school teachers were paid the same as secondary school teachers, especially those of us with straight university degrees. I didn't have to recite nursery rhymes to qualify as a secondary school teacher!
