Future directions for Tertiary Education

Future directions for Tertiary Education

A new student-centred, demand driven, higher education system

The Deputy Prime Minister has announced future structural reforms for the higher education sector, which focus on a student-centred, demand driven system.

In her speech to the Universities Australia Conference on 4 March, the Deputy Prime Minister announced the following:

  • A target that by 2025, 40% of Australian 25-34 year olds will have a bachelor level or above qualification.
  • From 2012 universities will be funded on the basis of student demand. This means the Government will fund a Commonwealth supported place for all domestic students accepted into an eligible, accredited higher education course at a recognised public higher education provider.
  • From 2010, the current cap on over enrolment will be raised from 5 to 10 percent and removed completely in 2012. This will prevent institutions growing too quickly at the expense of providing quality education and will allow a managed transition into the new system.
  • The Government will establish a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education. Providers will be regulated by this body, who will carry out audits of standards and performance, quality assure international education, and provide for national consistency by streamlining current regulatory arrangements.

A copy of the Minister's speech is available from the media centre.

Tertiary education pathways for the future 

The Deputy Prime Minister has announced reforms to Vocational Education and Training (VET), which focus on developing a national tertiary education system with clear pathways for students.

In her speech at the BIG Skills Conference on 5 March, the Deputy Prime Minister announced the following:

  • The Government will work with the states and territories to develop strong and cohesive national regulatory arrangements for VET alongside the proposed higher education regulator.
  • The Government will commission the Australian Qualifications Framework Council to improve articulation and connectivity between the university and VET sectors.
  • The Government will expand the role of Skills Australia.  It will provide Government with advice on the effectiveness of the higher education and VET system in meeting Australia’s labour market needs.
  • The Government will form a single tertiary education sector ministerial council, with representatives from the Commonwealth, states and territories. Roles will be consolidated, responsibilities will be clarified, and committees and agencies will be streamlined so all participants in the sector have clear accountabilities.

A copy of the Minister's speech is available from the media centre.

Greater possibilities for all Australians

The Deputy Prime Minister has announced the need for enhanced equity in tertiary education, with a focus on improving the accessibility of tertiary education for all Australians.
 
In her speech at the Australian Financial Review Conference on 9 March, the Deputy Prime Minister announced the following:

  • The Government has set a target that by 2020, 20% of higher education enrolments at undergraduate level should be from low socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Funding for quality teaching and research in regional Australia will be examined and new arrangements introduced.
  • The Government will provide $2 million towards a feasibility study into the possible merger of Charles Sturt University and Southern Cross University in order to improve access and support for regional students.
  • The Government will work closely with the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC) to improve higher education access and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

A copy of the Minister's speech is available from the media centre.

Renewal and reform for Australian innovation and research

Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research ,The Hon Kim Carr has announced a new approach to research funding and measures to strengthen the contribution universities make to the national innovation system.

A copy of the Minister's speech is available from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research media centre.