On 27 November, the Senate referred the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 for inquiry and report. DASSH members welcome the opportunity to respond to the legislation and provide feedback to the Education and Employment Legislation Committee.
DASSH welcomes the government’s commitment to establishing an independent Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) to provide long-term stewardship of Australia’s tertiary education system.
ATEC is a significant reform for improving harmonisation across the tertiary education system, strengthening Australia’s national capabilities, and recognising institutional diversity, while reaffirming the central role of higher education in supporting a strong, equitable and resilient democracy.
Our submission highlights five key recommendations:
- An expanded Commissioner model with clearly defined focus areas to address systemic barriers to education and support government participation and attainment goals.
- Strengthen the National Tertiary Education Objective to clearly articulate higher education’s contribution to Australia’s national capabilities
- Ensure ATEC can access higher education expertise to support evidence-informed advice and strengthen the interface between government and the tertiary education system
- A proactive advisory role for ATEC that enables evidence-based advice on its own initiative in support of equity, participation and attainment outcomes.
- A data-informed approach to mission-based compacts that supports diversity, differentiation, equity and sustainable outcomes for education providers.
Together these recommendations ensure ATEC is equipped to deliver meaningful system stewardship, improve equity and participation outcomes, and support long-term national priorities. DASSH welcomes continued collaboration and engagement with ATEC Commissioners and staff, the Department of Education and other stakeholders to support the effective implementation of ATEC.