In June 2024, the government released a Consultation Paper on the proposed Australian Tertiary Education Commission. DASSH welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Consultation Paper.

Some of the recommendations made by DASSH members include: 

• While it is important that the ATEC’s Commissioners maintain independence and avoid any conflicts of interest, this should not preclude those with experience in the higher education sector from undertaking these roles. We also strongly support the appointment of a First Nations Commissioner and encourage the government to establish a similar position to oversee efforts at increasing participation among low-SES cohorts.

• Our members have raised concerns that the ATEC will contribute to the increasing regulatory and administrative cost of higher education and will limit academic influence over the core functions of the university. DASSH recommends the Commission seek to minimise regulatory burden and mission creep, particularly around reporting requirements.

• In the context of decision making around disciplinary offerings it is critical that Australia’s national capabilities and knowledge are foregrounded, not simply vocational skills.   

• We call on the ATEC to spearhead reform of higher education data collection to produce higher quality data which is essential for the effective development of evidence-based policy. Our members also welcome the ATEC’s objective of fostering greater harmonisation between the higher education and VET sectors.