On 19 July the  Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, unveiled the Australian Universities Accord interim report, setting out a blueprint for renewal of Australia’s policy and funding settings for  tertiary education. The report proposes a wide-range of potential initiatives spanning the potential for a National Regional University, First Nations’ representation,  equity and access, student funding, innovation in teaching and learning, governance, the sustainability of world-class research, international students, and digital and physical infrastructure funding. 

Of the 70+ potential changes, the report identifies five key areas of immediate priority – all of which have been accepted by Government.  These include plans for new Regional and Suburban University Study Hubs, the abolition of the 50 percent pass rule under Job Ready Graduates, extended demand-driven funding for all First Nations students, the extension of the Higher Education Continuity Guarantee, and collaboration to improve university governance.  

At its heart UNE’s vision for the Accord continues to be that it: 

• puts in place an architecture for a national system – not a series of discrete initiatives, measures or funding schemes that take individual institutions as their focus; 
• builds on the diversity of the current system and recognises diversity in mission, scale and location as a strength; 
• enables life-long learning for all; 
• has a commitment to equity and diversity at its heart; and 
• ensures that universities have the resources to deliver on their individual missions. 

Your input into UNE’s response to the interim report  is welcomed. In light of the UNE vision:

1. What are your reflections on the Interim Report (this could include an area you feel the Interim Report has not addressed)? 
2. What areas are you in substantive agreement or disagreement? 
3. Are there any examples of exemplary practice at UNE that you would like highlighted? 

Please provide written feedback Strategy.management@une.edu.au  by 10 August.