Media Archive

An equal partnership between the university sector and Government security agencies has delivered a new set of guidelines to enhance existing safeguards against foreign interference.

Seeking deeper insights into the Australian housing market, developing cardiac patches, and assessing uses of AI in advanced manufacturing are among projects funded in this year’s Australia-Germany grants.

Universities today welcomed the launch of a scheme to boost Australia’s economy by attracting up to 5000 highly skilled knowledge workers each year.

Sustained Indigenous recruitment strategies across Australian universities secured a 2.8 per cent lift in Indigenous student offers in 2019, while overall student offers fell by 1.5 per cent nationwide.

A review of the nation’s qualifications framework wants to make the system easier to understand and continue to enhance student transitions between TAFE and university.

Legislation passed the Senate today to set up a new fund to finance responses to natural disasters and emergencies, with funds taken from the $3.95 billion Education Investment Fund (EIF).

Universities Australia has welcomed recommendations to reaffirm research as a defining feature of universities and simplify the higher education provider categories from six to four.

Nine in ten university graduates have a full-time job within three years of graduation, the latest official data confirms.

Education Minister Dan Tehan today released further details on performance funding for universities including the proposed weighting of performance measures.

Universities have urged Australian businesses to take a fresh look at how university research can help drive productivity to stimulate economic, jobs and wages growth.

Australians are more educated than ever before and continue to enjoy strong employment outcomes following graduation, new global figures on tertiary education confirm.

Sending the story of cracking the cane toad genome global, a pitch to entice more STEM PhD students into industry and an inspired billion-dollar fundraising effort are among campaigns recognised in the sector’s highest awards for university storytellers.

Australia’s universities want to work collaboratively with Government to enhance the existing safeguards against foreign interference in our civil society.

Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson’s speech to the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Summit 27 August 2019

Universities Australia commends Education Minister Dan Tehan’s acknowledgement of the need for higher education opportunities for the next generation, and the crucial role of universities in productivity and job creation.

Australian universities have commissioned and funded the next student survey of sexual assault and sexual harassment as part of their ongoing commitment to prevent unacceptable behaviour.

Australian universities today welcomed a new scheme to identify and recruit 5000 highly skilled migrants, including international academics and researchers.

Most of the students who enter university with a lower ATAR are not giving up big opportunities in vocational education, a new report by the Grattan Institute concludes.

Australia’s university leaders will carefully examine proposals to tie growth funds for student places to a new set of metrics — and will provide feedback to Government as it finalises its plan.

Australia’s universities are giving careful attention to the Government’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme to ensure they comply with the law.

A game-changing program that helps Australian children to catch up on years of lost literacy, music therapy to help dementia sufferers and a world-first new test to diagnose chronic pain levels.

Australian universities strongly support new legislation to outlaw “contract cheating” services.

The Universities Australia Board has appointed its Deputy Chairs for the next two years.

The peak body for Australia’s universities is pleased to reaffirm the university sector’s enduring commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom.

Freedom of expression and academic freedom go to the heart of what our universities do. They are fundamental to how we operate.

An historic shift towards jobs that require higher skills is unlikely to diminish as the economy changes, a new report confirms.

International students in Australia spent $35 billion last year on tourism, food, travel and housing – supporting more than 240,000 local jobs and countless small and family businesses across the nation.

Four in five of the new jobs in the next decade will be for ‘knowledge workers’ – and tertiary education is crucial to equip Australians for this changing job market, new Deloitte research predicts.

The Productivity Commission has warned today of a “troubling” slowdown of Australia’s investment in research and development and a stalling in the share of businesses that are innovating.

Universities congratulate Tanya Plibersek on her reappointment as Shadow Minister for Education and Training, and Brendan O’Connor being appointed Shadow Minister for Science & Industry.

Universities congratulate Dan Tehan on his reappointment as Education Minister and Karen Andrews on her reappointment as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

Universities Australia has welcomed two new directors and re-elected five continuing directors to its board, as the new Chair for the university sector’s peak body formally begins her term today.

Australia’s universities congratulate Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the weekend’s election result and look forward to working with his Government and all members of Parliament once again.

Hundreds of thousands more Australians of talent and ability have had the life-changing opportunity of a university education, due to the legacy of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Universities Australia has welcomed Labor’s election commitment of a research and development premium tax concession for businesses collaborating with universities and other publicly-funded research institutions.

An overwhelming majority of international students in Australia – almost nine in ten – are satisfied with the quality of their university education and lifestyle – matching or outranking competing nations.

The peak bodies for Australia’s universities and the nation’s Indigenous academy have deepened their partnership with the signing of a formal memorandum of understanding this week.

Four in five students at Australia’s universities are satisfied with the quality of their overall study experience – a strong result consistent with previous annual surveys.

The review into freedom of speech in Australian universities has found no evidence of a free speech crisis on Australian campuses.

Anyone who helps students cheat in their university exams or by writing essays for them will face new criminal penalties, helping universities in the fight against cheating.

The Federal Opposition has recommitted a future Labor government to restoring uncapped university student places — unlocking educational opportunity for thousands more Australians.

The last remaining fund for education and research infrastructure is again under threat, with the announcement in yesterday’s Budget that it will be repurposed to create a new Emergency Response Fund.

Tonight’s Budget has missed an important opportunity to reverse economy-damaging cuts to university funding and secure economic growth — despite a $7.1 billion surplus.

A new Government report shows once again university research is making a major contribution to the economy, society, environment and culture, delivering solid benefits for all Australians.

Obscured by the latest twists and turns with Brexit last week, another development in the United Kingdom almost slipped under the radar – the launch of a new UK international education strategy.

More than 90 per cent of Australian university research assessed by the Government is rated as world class or higher — putting Australia at the forefront of the global research effort.

New incentives for university students and graduates to study and work in regional Australia are another drawcard for international students to study in Australia.

Four in five Australians say international students are important to Australia’s economy, new polling confirms.

Almost half a million students at Australia’s universities are getting real-world experience to help kick-start their careers through a work placement, internship or fieldwork as part of their degree

Two in three Australians oppose funding cuts to university research, a major new survey of public opinion has found.

University researchers and experts are the most trusted group in society to ensure facts and evidence are part of important public debates, new polling confirms.

Speech to the National Press Club of Australia
Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Chair, Universities Australia
12.30pm Wednesday 27 February 2019

Clever research to spare people the dentist’s drill by extending the lifespan of tooth fillings has won a University of Queensland researcher the top prize in a major research communications competition.

Australia’s outstanding university teachers have been recognised with the nation’s most prestigious teaching honours in a ceremony at Universities Australia’s annual higher education conference.

Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO has been elected the next Chair of Universities Australia.

Labor’s pledge to create tax-free bursaries of $10,000 a year – worth $40,000 over a four-year teaching degree – would be a carrot to help support talented future teachers in the making.

The independent review into the Defence Trade Controls Act by Dr Vivienne Thom is a victory for common sense.

When I was studying at university, the conversation about rape and sexual harassment was very ­different to the one happening now around the world — not just on campuses, but right across ­societies.

Keynote speech delivered by Chief Executive Catriona Jackson to the Respect. Prevent. Respond. Conference at Deakin University on 6 February 2019.

Universities will partner with the nation’s leading agency dedicated to preventing violence against women to develop a next-generation respectful relationships education program drawing on cutting-edge expert research.

The sector regulator has acknowledged the significant and comprehensive work by Australian universities to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Employer satisfaction with university graduates has hit its highest level ever, while graduates enjoy their best job prospects in four years.

On Monday, the mid-year Budget update unveiled research funding cuts of A$328.5 million over the next four years. This Budget raid on research was more than double the size expected by the university research community.

On Monday, universities are bracing for the details of another funding cut – this time to life-changing research.

Cuts of $328.5 million to research funding have been unveiled in the Government’s mid-year Budget update — a move that will damage Australia.

Government investment in research and development in Australia is projected to plunge next year to its lowest level as a share of our economy in four decades – setting loud alarm bells ringing.

Australian business has strongly backed Australian immigration policies that enable international students to study here – injecting $32 billion a year into Australia’s economy.

Australian universities are strongly represented in the first group of research institutions recognised for making major strides on gender equality through a new national initiative.

Labor has announced a taskforce following a concerted program of action by universities to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment in student communities.

The Coalition’s announcement of a refocused national science and research advisory council has been welcomed by the university sector.

Labor’s recommitment to lift spending on research and development to 3 per cent of the nation’s economy by the end of the next decade has been welcomed by Australia’s universities.

Universities are pleased a Parliamentary inquiry has adopted key recommendations to help Australia’s researchers spend more of their time on life-changing research instead of paperwork.

Universities Australia congratulates the university researchers who were successful in the latest round of funding from Australian Research Council.

A further $10 billion improvement in the Budget bottom line this year — revealed in Deloitte’s Budget monitor today — shows Parliament there’s no need to slap a new tax on universities.

Universities urge the Senate to reject legislation imposing a new tax on universities — which would pay the salaries of bureaucrats in Canberra.

Universities are pleased to see the Government’s response to the India economic strategy, which highlights the central role universities play in deepening ties between both nations.

A new guide on how senior leaders can develop the careers of their direct reports will assist to make even greater strides towards gender equality in senior leadership roles in universities.

A culture of lively debate and the vigorous contest of ideas is strongly in evidence on Australian university campuses.

The $134.8 million announced today for five regional universities hurt by the university funding freeze will be sourced from a raid on the nation’s research budget, it has emerged.

Australian and German university researchers will develop tailor-made 3D bone implants and low-cost ways to detect dental disease, thanks to new grants worth nearly $2.7 million awarded today.

Australian university leaders reaffirm their commitment to the enduring principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression on campuses and amongst their students and staff.

New guidelines launched today will help recruit and support the next generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates as they pursue research degrees and research careers.

Today’s pledge by the Australian Government to practice greater transparency in research funding grants scuttled by Ministerial veto is a step forward.

Almost nine in ten graduates from Australian universities are in fulltime work three years after graduating, the latest Government figures show.

The leaders of Australia’s 39 universities condemn the decision of former Education Minister Simon Birmingham to veto 11 research projects recommended for funding by the Australian Research Council.

More university students are staying on to complete their degrees, even as more Australians than ever before pursue a university education.

Official data released today shows the number of people applying for a place at university fell slightly in 2018 as the job market picked up.

Universities Australia is concerned by revelations that 11 highly-recommended applications for Australian Research Council (ARC) funding were vetoed by the former Education Minister.

Australia’s best university storytellers found a NASA angle to seed global headlines on a research breakthrough that fast-tracks crop breeding, recruited prospective students with ‘empathy not ego’, and changed the face of philanthropy in Western Australia in 2018.

Contrary to assertions, Australian universities do not determine culpability in sexual assault cases.

Australian and Japanese researchers are working together to develop aged-care robots to meet a looming explosion in demand, and to stop the world’s fish stocks being decimated by climate change.

Awards to recognise outstanding teaching in Australia’s universities in 2018 will be conferred at the UA Conference next year. Nominations open on 5 November.

Universities Australia today welcomed the appointment of Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO to lead a review into Australia’s higher education provider category standards.

Nearly 90 per cent of international students are satisfied with their study experience at an Australian university, according to new Government data revealed today.

Global university rankings agency Times Higher Education (THE) has sounded loud alarm bells, warning funding cuts of $2.1 billion to Australia’s universities are “cause for concern.”

I want to talk to you about education and research and how they bring China and Australia closer together. This is illustrated by a very productive friendship between a young man from Hangzhou, Jian Zhou, and Ian Frazer — an Australian professor who is originally from Glasgow.

Universities have welcomed a $300 million pledge from Labor for much-needed teaching and research infrastructure at universities.

Universities will seek more detail on legislation introduced in Parliament this week to tax higher education providers whose students access HELP loans.

Universities and researchers would not be classified as ‘political campaigners’ when they engage in public policy debates, under sensible changes to proposed laws on electoral disclosure.

Keynote address to the Australia China Business Council – Bond University
Catriona Jackson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia

Younger university graduates continue to earn a significant wage premium, despite a slight decline in that advantage over the past decade with the global financial crisis and end of the mining boom.

Universities stand ready to work with aged care providers to expand university student placements and deliver the skilled workforce needed to support Australia’s rapidly aging population.

The number of Australian businesses who intend to boost their links – or forge new ones – with universities has grown in the past two years, a report by the Australian Industry Group has found.

Universities will work with specialists and experts on a new national university mental health framework, assisted by federal Government funding announced today.

Universities Australia welcomes today’s pledge by the Labor Opposition to invest $174 million in mentoring and support for university study in communities with low degree attainment rates.

Brexit risks and a major boost to UK R&D spending are powerful reminders that Australia’s world-class universities need the backing of stable policy and sustained investment.

Universities remain concerned about a range of proposals put forward by the Business Council of Australia today in its paper on post-secondary education.

The higher education sector looks forward to working with the Ministerial line-up announced yesterday and congratulates the new Ministers for Education, Science and Research.

Efficiency isn’t about getting something for a bargain basement price. It’s about getting the best value for money.

Universities have urged new Prime Minister Scott Morrison to overturn the effective cap on student places imposed last December and reverse the Government’s $2.1 billion university funding cuts.

Australia’s reputation for education quality is key to our success at attracting international students, the higher education regulator has confirmed.

The huge contribution made by Australia’s universities to our nation’s communities, economy and tax base has been affirmed in a new economic impact report for the Group of Eight universities.

One in seven university students regularly go without food and other necessities because they cannot afford them, the latest national financial survey of Australian university students has found.

In 2010, then British Prime Minister David Cameron uttered a few fateful words that would become an own goal for the British economy. He announced a policy to cap ‘net’ migration to Britain – but lumped international students on temporary visas in with permanent migrants. It began a series of policy mis-steps and careless utterances by senior political figures that included cutting work rights for international students, Brexit and the rise of anti-global sentiment.

Address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia’s annual higher education review.
Catriona Jackson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia

If you slipped and broke your leg, what doctor would recommend you break the other one — and fuse the two together? Such bizarre diagnosis and treatment would make the whole thing worse.

Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has affirmed the central role that universities and international education play in driving prosperity and security for both Australia and the region.

The deep personal connections that international students forge with Australia and the great experiences they’ve had studying here are the focus of a new video series to be launched today.

A year ago, I sat down and read the Change the Course report on sexual assault and sexual harassment. The report gave us important data from a national survey of students — commissioned by universities — about the rate of these behaviours in student communities.

International students injected $31.9 billion into Australia’s economy last financial year, directly boosting Australian jobs and wages – including in regional Australia.

Australian universities are adapting continuously to prepare Australians for the onslaught of rapid and sweeping changes in the future of work – as a new report out today highlights.

A new report by consultancy firm KPMG attempts to ‘fix’ Australia’s vocational education system – but its policy proposals would instead damage our nation’s world-class university system.

Another 800 major actions and initiatives have been instigated by Australian universities over the past year to contribute to a society-wide push against sexual violence.

Sexual or romantic relationships between an academic supervisor and their student are never appropriate, new university sector principles confirm.

Professor Margaret Gardner AO
Chair, Universities Australia and President and Vice-Chancellor, Monash University

Australia is poised to leapfrog the United Kingdom and become the world’s second most popular destination for international students, further boosting Australian jobs and incomes.

A new set of guidelines will help Australian universities to strengthen their support for students who report sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Last August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics published statistics that should be sounding alarm bells in Australia’s boardrooms and corridors of power.

Government and business must re-invest in research and development or we risk future prosperity and falling further behind our international competitors.

Universities Australia welcomes the Education Minister Simon Birmingham’s goal to get more specialist science, maths and technology teachers into Australian classrooms.

Strong regional universities are essential to drive regional development – as a new report attests – adding another compelling reason to end the Government’s university funding freeze.

If there was anything you could do to get a job faster, I’m sure we would all want to know about it.

Universities Australia welcomes the passage today of new laws to give universities, schools and libraries similar copyright protections to companies like Telstra and Optus.

Australia’s growth in international education has set another new record, with more than 548,000 overseas students studying here in the latest official numbers from April.

Universities Australia urges the Parliament to support the Government’s amendments to the proposed Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme.

Universities serving communities in regional Australia and the outer suburbs of capital cities face cuts of up to 15 per cent of their core funding by 2021, new Government figures show.

A new code of conduct will help safeguard the quality and integrity of Australian research.

I want to tell you the story of two remarkable women.

Australia’s universities have kept attrition rates stable despite a massive jump in enrolments, a new report from Government confirms.

The Government has announced it will make amendments to its proposed foreign influence legislation that would safeguard global-facing Australian academics and their research.

Four out of five university students are satisfied with their education, according to a national survey released today.

Major investments in national research facilities announced today will help Australia to win job-creating research races in high-performing computing, advanced manufacturing and medical technology.

Universities Australia has announced Anne-Marie Lansdown as its next Deputy Chief Executive.

Labor’s promise to end the current university funding freeze and return to uncapped student places is a win for fairness, productivity, the national economy and social cohesion.

It’s 1974. A 21-year old researcher leaves Glasgow for Australia full of hope and ideas. He goes on to invent the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine, saving the lives of tens of thousands of women.

A $393 million boost for major research infrastructure and 500 newly-funded pathway places into university for regional Australians are “a solid down-payment on future economic growth”.

The Australian economy stands to take a $12 billion hit as a result of the university funding freeze, new modelling reveals.

Students who don’t complete their degrees still benefit from their university study — and overall student attrition rates remain stable, a new report from the Grattan Institute confirms.

The Board of Universities Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Catriona Jackson as its new Chief Executive.

As many as 235,000 fewer Australians would be at university by 2031 under the Turnbull Government’s freeze on university funding, a new report by the Mitchell Institute suggests.

The quality of Australian higher education is bringing international students to our shores in record numbers.

Australia’s uncapped system of university student places has been crucial to secure the participation gains made by regional Australians outlined in the Halsey review.

International education contributed a record $32.2 billion to the Australian economy in 2017, the latest trade figures reveal.

Universities Australia congratulates the new and former members of the expert panel that advises on how to maintain Australia’s high standards in higher education.

Fewer students than ever before are getting into university based on an ATAR, as universities develop more diverse ways to assess student potential, a new report from the Mitchell Institute highlights.

Global superstars in research commercialisation and building university philanthropy operations could be snapped up by Australia if the terms of a new ‘global talent’ visa are sufficiently broad.

Ahead of the Brexit process, Australian and British university leaders and peak bodies will seek to “turbo charge” existing university sector collaborations and map out opportunities to add to them.

The university funding freeze will make it harder to close the gap in university attainment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, which is crucial to achieve employment parity.

Australia has welcomed more than half a million international students over the past year, helping to deepen our ties with the world.

Universities Australia and Professions Australia share the Turnbull Government’s aspiration for a more streamlined professional accreditation process.

Universities Australia congratulates the Universities Australia Executive Women’s Group (UAEW) on a new best practice recruitment guide to advance women in university leadership.

Australia’s universities will today urge policymakers to keep open the doors of educational opportunity for all Australians by ending the university funding freeze.

More than 1000 leaders from universities, industry and politics will descend on Canberra today for this year’s gathering of the higher education sector in Australia.

Universities will today make a bold bid for more companies to partner with them on everything from research and business innovation through to snapping up the best graduate talent.

Address to the National Press Club of Australia
Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Chair, Universities Australia

Eight in ten Australians believe the jobs of the future will be just as likely — or even more likely — to need a university qualification.

Universities Australia will engage actively with a review of post-school education announced today by Labor to ensure Australia’s students are entering one of the world’s best tertiary education systems.

Universities are pleased the Government has reached a landmark agreement to recognise university qualifications between Australia and key Asia-Pacific nations.

A blueprint to foster innovation in Australia will rely heavily on our world-class universities to equip Australians for vast changes in jobs and generate new sources of export income.

The latest official data on university finances strengthens the case against the Government’s $2.2 billion in university funding cuts.

Proposed new foreign influence laws must safeguard Australia’s strengths in cutting-edge global research partnerships and as the world’s third most popular destination for international students.

Universities Australia encourages the Business Council of Australia to work co-operatively with the higher education sector to develop its education policy proposals.

An initial shortfall of almost 10,000 student places will not be funded this year due to the Government’s freeze on university funding, new modelling by Universities Australia forecasts.

Graduate employment rates and median salaries are on the rise, according to the latest national report on graduate outcomes.

Rating agency Moody’s has echoed warnings from the higher education sector about the damaging impact of the Government’s university funding freeze.

More than nine out of 10 employers say university graduates were well-prepared by their university education for their current job, according to a national survey released today.

It’s not just students waiting for an offer who will be left in the lurch. Western Sydney and other growth areas will be hardest hit as the government changes its policy on funding university placements.

Universities Australia congratulates Cabinet Minister Michaelia Cash and Assistant Minister Zed Seselja on their new roles in the crucial portfolios of Jobs, Innovation and Science.

Cuts of $2.2 billion in today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) would freeze university funding in 2017 dollars, forcing universities to cut student numbers.

If backdoor cuts to university funding are inflicted in the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook next week, it will set back efforts to return the federal Budget to surplus within the decade.

Universities Australia commends the Turnbull Government on introducing legislation to extend Australia’s copyright ‘safe harbour’ protections to universities, schools and libraries.

Global science superstar Brian Cox was in Australia last month and, asked about the threat of jobs being destroyed by the rise of automation, he was refreshingly optimistic.

Amid media reports the Government could defy the Parliament’s rejection of its university funding cuts, voters say cuts would limit access to university for all Australians.

Universities have called on Government to keep a “laser focus” on jobs and growth including by sustaining investment in university education and research to power Australia’s future prosperity.

More than four in five startup founders in Australia have a university education, the latest annual survey of one of the fastest growing areas of the economy confirms.

Australia’s total spending on research has fallen as a share of our national income, putting the nation’s future income sources at risk.

The share of students dropping out of university is around the same as it was a decade ago – despite a dramatic expansion of access to a larger and more diverse group of Australians than ever before.

The latest round of funding for ‘the best of the best’ of Australian research announced today will help drive Australia’s future knowledge economy and help create new jobs and industries.

University graduates in Australia are two-and-a-half times less likely to be jobless than people with no post-school education, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics numbers confirm.

Universities Australia will begin the search for a new Chief Executive following Belinda Robinson’s decision not to renew her contract when it expires next year.

It continues to amaze and disappoint that those who take great pride in dispensing advice on what should be done to univer­sities rarely bother to scratch below the populist, cliched surface, or think through the risks of zany policy adventurism.

A new tool to showcase the real-world impact of Australian university research will demonstrate the vast benefits it delivers to the economy and wider community.

Australian university researchers working on projects to improve malaria drugs, hone cancer treatments and enhance solar cells will share in new grants worth $2.6 million to partner with German researchers in the same field.

Australia’s transition to a knowledge economy has spurred more Australians than ever to pursue a university qualification.

The Productivity Commission’s latest report fails to reflect the vast benefits to Australia of the link between university research and international education, which brings in $28.6 billion a year to our economy.

The Nick Xenophon Team’s announcement that it cannot support the Government’s $2.8 billion cut to universities and students is “a victory for common sense and Australia’s best interests”.

In 2005, American comedian Stephen Colbert coined the term “truthiness”. It’s the belief or assertion that something is true, based on intuition or perception — without being hamstrung by the facts.

Australia’s income has become even more reliant on the quality of our university sector, ratcheting up the risk that university funding cuts would erode our future national earnings.

Universities Australia today called on the Senate Economics Committee to resist the Government’s plan to scrap the Education Investment Fund – the future fund for higher education set up by former Treasurer Peter Costello.

A plan to axe the Education Investment Fund would shut down “a nation-building, wealth-creating, innovation-supporting” program forever – and undermine Peter Costello’s legacy of a future fund for higher education.

Universities call on the Government to revisit 1 January 2018 as the start date for any higher education funding changes, now the fate of its legislation will not be decided until at least mid-October.

Australia spends a smaller share of our national income on public investment in tertiary education than countries like Estonia, Turkey and Latvia, new global figures confirm.

NXT Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie called tonight for a comprehensive review of post-school education and declared “we cannot accept this is the reform that is needed” in debate on the Government’s higher education legislation.

The majority of voters Australia-wide oppose the Turnbull Government’s plan to inflict $2.8 billion of cuts on universities and students – with the strongest opposition in South Australia and Victoria.

Australia’s strong global university rankings face growing competition from a rising Chinese university system powered by Government investment, highlighting the dangers of a proposed $2.8 billion cut to university funding.

In public policy, as in life, it can be instructive to keep an eye on what your fiercest competitors are doing.

Keynote address, Australian Financial Review Higher Education Summit (29 August 2017)
Professor Margaret Gardner, Chair, Universities Australia, President and Vice Chancellor, Monash University

Our thoughts are with staff and students of the Australian National University following this morning’s attack.

Science, technology, engineering and maths courses – crucial for future skills and economic growth – would be hardest hit by the Government’s proposed cuts to university funding.

The Government’s higher education legislation would inflict real cuts to university funding, undermining the knowledge infrastructure needed to skill future workers and grow the economy, Universities Australia said in response to a Senate report released last night.

Australian universities will take strong and swift action to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment with a 10-point action plan responding to a landmark survey of university students.

The findings of the world’s largest survey on sexual harassment and sexual assault in student communities have been released.

Let me begin by acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, on whose lands we meet, and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

1800 572 224 FROM 9AM MONDAY 31 JULY
A new national support line for university students commences today, as universities prepare for the release of a report on sexual assault and sexual harassment in student communities.

Universities Australia Opening Statement
Thank you Senators for inviting UA to appear before the committee today to elaborate on our submission.

The Government’s higher education package proposes to cut funding for universities and increase fees for students, so that students pay more for less.

Universities will fund a new national support line over the next four months to ensure student victims and survivors of sexual assault can access round-the-clock specialist support in the wake of a landmark survey on student safety.

Universities Australia welcomes yesterday’s report from the nation’s peak body for postgraduate students, and will continue to work closely with them in our shared commitment to prevent and address sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Prospective students and their families will have better access to clear and consistent information on university entry requirements, under a new higher education admissions plan announced today.

Changes made today by the Turnbull Government show it has listened and acted on several key concerns raised by Australia’s universities about new visa rules.

Billion dollar cuts in higher education would force job losses, erode student support services and weaken universities at the very time the economy needs them to skill our future workforce and generate growth.

The proposed cuts to university funding in this year’s federal budget are bad news for universities, but also bad for our wider economy because they would cost Australian jobs and curb economic growth.

Universities Australia congratulates the Turnbull Government on an important copyright reform as the Copyright Amendment (Disability Access and Other Measures) Bill passed Parliament today.

Media coverage of university attrition rates has been ‘unnecessarily alarmist’ and claims of a ‘crisis’ are not borne out by the facts, a new Government-commissioned discussion paper has found.

Nine universities serving some of the nation’s most disadvantaged and regional communities have today added their voices to the growing chorus of strong opposition to university cuts.

The number of international students choosing to study in Australia grew by 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2017, building further on the record growth of the past few years.

Universities Australia is pleased to see our call for a more flexible and less burdensome grant application process adopted by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Australian and British university leaders will hold high-level talks in London today on expanded cooperation between the two nations as Brexit gets underway.

Well known philanthropists often talk about the knock-on effects of philanthropy. Not only can giving have specific benefit for the recipients, if it is done publicly, it can encourage others to follow suit.

More than 310,000 people have benefitted from Australia’s flagship equity program aimed at expanding access to university for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a Government report has found.

The leaders of Australia’s universities met today to consider the Turnbull Government’s proposed changes to higher education funding and legislation.

Labor’s commitment to put higher education at the centre of its Budget response has been well-received by Australia’s universities.

Nine national research infrastructure focus areas announced today will help to prioritise and develop Australia’s research excellence, say Australia’s universities.

One aspect of the federal budget that hasn’t attracted the attention it should is the government’s plan to introduce “performance” funding for universities.

A majority of Australian voters disapprove of federal Budget proposals to cut $2.8 billion in funding to higher education, a new poll has found.

The task of creating new jobs, security and opportunities for the next generations of Australians will only be made harder by $2.8 billion of cuts to higher education in tonight’s Budget.

New data on university teaching costs cannot be compared with a 2011 analysis nor be used to draw conclusions about growth over time – a report commissioned by Government has cautioned.

Changes to higher education funding and policy announced by Education Minister Simon Birmingham tonight will see a further decline in revenue to universities.

Universities are a key part of Australia’s productive infrastructure, and should be reflected in the Budget as an investment in growing Australian jobs, incomes and the economy.

The appointment of Professor Sue Thomas as the new head of the Australian Research Council will ensure balance between fundamental and applied research in Australia’s innovation agenda.

Universities and their students have contributed $3.9 billion to rein in the federal Budget deficit since 2011, a new analysis published by Universities Australia has found.

Statement from Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson

New rules for Australian temporary work visas must ensure that our world-class universities can continue to recruit the best and brightest minds from around the world.

Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to India this week has thrown a light on the relationship between Australia and one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Australian universities have welcomed significant progress towards deeper and broader collaboration with India after a very successful two-day visit by the Education Minister and university leaders.

Four out of five students are satisfied with their university education while the same percentage of employers are happy with their recent graduates, according to two new national surveys released today.

Australia’s university leaders will showcase the central role of higher education to our relationship with the world’s fastest growing economy, as part of an up-coming Prime Ministerial visit to India.

All of Australia’s 39 universities have confirmed they will publicly release their institutional data from the sector’s prevalence survey.

Applications open this week for leading researchers in the early stages of their careers to go on research exchange between Australia and Germany.

Media reports today regarding the national student prevalence survey on sexual assault and sexual harassment, run as part of the Universities Australia Respect. Now. Always. initiative, were incorrect.

Universities Australia urges the Parliament to pass the copyright bill introduced today to streamline copyright for educational institutions without affecting the interests of copyright holders.

Universities Australia has praised the Turnbull Government for its restated commitment to secure long-term funding for basic and applied scientific research in Australia.

Universities will play an indispensable role in Australia’s foreign policy objectives in coming decades, the sector’s peak body says in its submission to the Foreign Policy White Paper.

Almost half of all the university students in Australia who are counted as ‘drop-outs’ in official retention figures actually return to study within eight years, a new report has found.

I am deeply honored to join you this morning, and to address so many distinguished leaders of Australian Universities.

We live in challenging times. Ours is an era in which evidence, intellectual inquiry and expertise are under sustained attack.

Just a short drive from here, in the spectacular bushland around our nation’s capital, stands a collided rock shelter known as Birrigai.

Around 1000 leaders from universities, industry and politics will gather in Canberra today for this year’s national Higher Education Conference.

Universities Australia Chair Professor Barney Glover will today urge Australians to defend the role of evidence and experts, arguing they are more important than ever in a ‘post-truth’ world.

More than four in five startup founders in Australia are university graduates, a new report that quantifies the strong links between universities and the startup economy has confirmed.

Australia’s universities will unveil ambitious targets tonight to lift the university enrolment and completion rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Universities Australia’s groundbreaking Respect. Now. Always. initiative – begun in 2016 – supports universities to address sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson welcomed the commitment by leaders of Australia and Israel to strengthen ties in education and innovation.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner, will be the next chair of Universities Australia.

International students continue to choose to study in Australia in record numbers – citing the very high quality and reputation of Australian universities.

The proposed closure of a $3.7 billion education investment fund would end the last remaining federal program dedicated to financing university buildings and infrastructure.

Australia’s excellent reputation for high-quality university education, our proximity to Asia and a lower Australian dollar helped to propel education export earnings to a record $21.8 billion in 2016.

Universities Australia has expressed concern about the impact of the new US executive order on the free exchange of students, academics and researchers between Australia and the United States of America.

Seven out of ten students complete their university education within nine years – with Australia’s bachelor degree completion rates ranking third highest among the world’s advanced economies.

Australia’s universities congratulate Senator Arthur Sinodinos on his new role as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and thank Minister Greg Hunt as he moves to the health portfolio.

Universities have welcomed a ten-year plan to guide investment in research facilities that will generate future prosperity, while urging a rethink on Government plans to axe a fund for university infrastructure.

Universities Australia welcomes the Productivity Commission’s report on Australia’s Intellectual Property Arrangements, which calls for the introduction of a “fair use” exception to copyright laws.

Closing the $3.7 billion Education Investment Fund (EIF) would make it harder for Australia to create new jobs, generate research breakthroughs and compete for international students – our third largest export.

Students and their families should find it easier to compare entry requirements for university courses and see how to meet those criteria, with the adoption of new transparency measures.

The job market for new university graduates has strengthened over the past year, with more than seven out of ten in a fulltime job just four months after graduation.

Many of the nation’s senior university leaders gathered in Melbourne today to share expertise and expand philanthropy in higher education and research.

A new draft roadmap to ensure Australia’s future research infrastructure spending will target priority areas to build on our research strengths.

The unemployment rate amongst Australian university graduates fell in the past year, in a further sign of recovery for the graduate jobs market.

Australia’s universities share the Victorian Government’s commitment to the highest quality teaching standards – but also defend the autonomy of universities to set their own admissions criteria.

The education of international students generated a record $20.3 billion in export income for Australia in 2015/16 – up 8 per cent from the previous 12 months.

Universities are pleased to see the much-anticipated pilot of the Engagement and Impact Assessment announced today.

The recommendations made by the Higher Education Standards panel will create a more transparent and coherent higher education admissions system that places prospective students squarely at the centre.

University researchers working on projects ranging from the use of robotics in surgery to songwriting therapy for dementia sufferers will share in $2.5 million under a program that fosters collaboration between Australia and Germany.

The $416 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) grants announced today by Education Minister Simon Birmingham will help to secure future prosperity for Australia through world-class university research.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson is pleased to join the new council advising the Turnbull Government on enhancing Australia’s standing as a global leader in international education.

The Government’s announcement today of its higher education expert advisory panel is a major step towards securing a sustainable Australian higher education system.

Universities Australia will today host a national workshop on the importance of research collaboration in building a deeper relationship with Germany.

Universities Australia welcomes the R&D Tax Incentive Review report released today as an important step towards lifting university-industry research collaboration.

Many interesting things have been said about attrition rates at universities in the past week – not all of them have been true.

Student enrolment data – released today – confirms that growth in the university sector has stabilised following the initial expansion of the demand-driven system.

Universities Australia has urged the Turnbull Government to retain a landmark equity program to lift university access for Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Australia’s first comprehensive national prevalence survey on university student experiences of sexual assault and sexual harassment will be launched today.

The majority of university graduates find full-time employment within four months of finishing their degree and almost nine out of ten have full-time jobs after three years, according to new statistics published today.

The Government’s higher education options paper has provided the opportunity to take a fresh look at the policy settings needed to safeguard a high quality, affordable and equitable university system.

Universities Australia supports the European University Association in expressing concern at reports of the treatment of university staff in Turkey following the attempted coup on 15 July.

Universities Australia congratulates Tanya Plibersek on her appointment as the new Shadow Minister for Education, and thanks outgoing Opposition higher education spokesman Senator Kim Carr.

A new report released today highlights the breadth of skills needed for today’s jobs and the crucial role that university-industry collaboration plays in successful businesses.

Universities Australia congratulates Senator Simon Birmingham on his re-appointment as Minister for Education and Training and Greg Hunt on his new role as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.

Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia
Higher Education Summit – Melbourne
Thursday 14 July 2016

Universities Australia congratulates the Coalition on its re-election and every Member and Senator elected to serve the people of Australia in this term of federal Parliament.

A generation ago, a university law student might have expected to complete their degree, start at a legal firm, and stay in that company for the rest of their working career.

Universities Australia welcomes the Coalition’s commitment to lift science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) literacy and encourage more women into these national future-proofing disciplines.

A new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report released today confirms the important role that education plays in preparing people for the workforce and ensuring skills for ongoing employment and lifelong learning.

Labor’s commitment today to restore university research funding acknowledges the importance of university research to Australia’s future national prosperity.

The number of students studying abroad as part of their Australian university degree has grown fourfold over the past decade, amid high satisfaction ratings for those overseas study programs.

The needs of students must be ‘front and centre’ as further steps are taken to improve the level of transparency in university admissions processes, Universities Australia said today.

Entwined in every successful global economy is a strong university system. This is no accident.

February applications and offers data provide further evidence that growth in the university sector has stabilised, after a few years of rapid growth during the transition to a demand-driven system.

Universities Australia welcomes three new directors to its board for the coming term.

A new stage of Keep it Clever advertising will be launched during the federal election campaign to highlight even more directly the essential role of universities in economic transition and new job creation.

Address to the FUTUREPROOF 2016 conference – 16 May 2016
Professor Barney Glover, Chair, Universities Australia
Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University

Universities Australia welcomes further opportunities for Australian universities to strengthen ties with Singapore under an agreement announced today.

Universities Australia welcomes the commitment today by the Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham to address all 28 recommendations from the Review of Research Policy and Funding Arrangements, led by Dr Ian Watt AO.

The Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) which delivers incentives to improve teaching excellence and innovation has been abolished in the 2016-17 Budget.

Universities Australia has criticised the 2016-17 Federal Budget’s cuts to the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme (HEPPP) which assists universities to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete degrees.

An options paper on alternatives to full fee deregulation, a reduction in the size of funding cuts and a 12 month delay to the introduction of higher education changes has softened the blow to universities braced for substantial funding cuts

New modelling shows that having more university graduates in the economy creates new jobs and lifts wages for workers who don’t have a university degree.

Universities Australia welcomes the Productivity Commission’s draft report into Australia’s Intellectual Property Arrangements, which calls for the introduction of a broader “fair use” system of copyright.

There is a scene in the movie Match Point when the tennis ball quivers for millisecond over the net. It could go either way – to win or lose the game. It’s a metaphor for a turning point in the life of the main character, a tennis pro. And it is an apt image for our time and our place.

A new report on Australia’s research training system delivers an astute and timely set of recommendations to connect research students and graduates with industry.

Universities Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) of nine university-industry joint research projects on renewable energy technologies.

A proposed 20 per cent cut to university funding would inflate growth in Australia’s student loan scheme to $185 billion by 2025, a parliamentary report suggests.

Universities Australia is working closely with the Higher Education Standards Panel chaired by Professor Peter Shergold to improve transparency in university admission policies, including ATARs.

Applications open this week for a new round of the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, which funds exchanges for leading researchers in the early stages of their careers.

The HELP system of income-contingent loans is a hallmark of Australia’s higher education system. It is respected worldwide as a fair and effective way to make university accessible regardless of a student’s background or financial means. Australia pioneered income-contingent loans for students in 1989, and several other countries have since followed our lead.

“With an early federal budget confirmed and an election on the cards, it is crucial that all political parties spell out how they will deliver university funding and policy certainty,” said Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive of Universities Australia.

Universities Australia welcomes the appointment of Dr Michele Bruniges AM as the new Secretary of the Department of Education and Training.

Around 900 of the nation’s most senior university leaders, policymakers and experts have gathered in Canberra today for Australia’s largest and most influential annual higher education conference.

Universities Australia Chair Professor Barney Glover will call today for greater clarity and certainty in higher education policy ahead of the looming federal election.

Address to the National Press Club – 9 March 2016
Professor Barney Glover, Chair, Universities Australia
Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University

A new publication to be launched tonight by Education Minister Simon Birmingham showcases the profound contribution Australia’s university researchers make to our national prosperity and wellbeing.

A landmark agreement will deliver greater clarity on the respective roles of universities and professional accreditation bodies to ensure graduates are best qualified for the professions they seek to enter.

A Parisian rap and an exchange from the Blue Mountains to Osaka have won a $10,000 student film competition to promote the life-changing experience of studying abroad as part of a university degree.

Student satisfaction with their experience at university continues at record high levels, new survey results released today have confirmed.

In recent weeks, a debate has ignited about whether the ATAR is the most appropriate and effective determinant of a prospective student’s likelihood to graduate.

Forty of Australia’s major research institutions have joined a global initiative that will lift the visibility of the trailblazing discoveries made by Australia’s 47,000 researchers.

Universities Australia congratulates the Turnbull Government’s new Ministers on their appointments and pays public tribute to Andrew Robb and Warren Truss as they prepare to leave politics.

If you need help, or to talk with someone, specialist support is available by calling the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Universities Australia will work closely with the Higher Education Standards Panel to improve the transparency of student admissions policies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments at university grew 7.6 per cent in the first half of 2015 and the number of students from low socio-economic backgrounds rose by 3.8 per cent.

Universities Australia has counselled against a dramatic overhaul of the nation’s university system, using its pre-Budget submission to urge greater policy and funding certainty in higher education.

In signature style, Australia’s outgoing Chief Scientist Ian Chubb departs his role today with a powerful analysis of how research and science are powering our economy and living standards.

Australia has come out ahead of North America and just behind the UK to rank an extraordinary second overall in the latest global rankings of universities deemed to be truly international.

Today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook backs in the Government’s innovation agenda as a prudent investment in Australia’s future productivity and prosperity.

The National Innovation and Science Agenda unveiled today will begin the cultural change needed to transform the Australian economy and secure prosperity into the future.

The State of Australian University Research 2015-16 report confirms Australia’s university research performance is amongst the best in the world.

The Review of Research Policy and Funding Arrangements will create a stronger, fitter university research system that translates more high quality university research into economic and social benefits.

The innovation ideas released by Labor today underscore the national political consensus on the economic importance of research and innovation.

Like the wider Australian community, the nation’s universities want to see teaching students graduate with strong literacy and numeracy skills.

A cut to higher education funding would send the wrong signal about Australia’s commitment to innovation – right at a time when the Turnbull Government is looking to boost confidence and scale up the national research agenda to secure Australia’s future prosperity.

Universities Australia congratulates the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) on a powerful and timely contribution to an intensifying national focus on innovation.

A new website will allow companies to search all the intellectual property patents held by Australia’s universities and public research organisations.

Universities Australia congratulates Bill Ferris AC on his appointment as Chair of Innovation Australia.

Almost $3.5 million will be shared by Australian and German researchers to pursue joint research projects with their counterparts halfway around the globe.

Ties between Australian and Indonesian universities are at a record high, with the number of formal agreements for research partnerships, staff and student exchanges and study abroad programs climbing to 254 by the end of last year.

A national productivity windfall generated by university research has delivered economic benefits to Australia worth a third of the growth in average living standards over the past 30 years.

Address to the AFR Higher Education Summit
28 October 2015
Belinda Robinson
Chief Executive, Universities Australia

The announcement of distinguished engineer, neuroscientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr Alan Finkel AO, as Australia’s next Chief Scientist will ensure that the transformative role of science and research remains front-and-centre of the national agenda.

Universities Australia congratulates more than 2,800 Australian students who will be supported to study overseas next year under the Endeavour Mobility Grants program.

Universities call for a ‘game-changing’ national investment strategy in wealth-generating research and innovation – arguing it is vital to the economic transformation that both sides of politics say Australia must make.

Address to the National Press Club, 7 October 2015
Professor Barney Glover, Chair, Universities Australia
Vice-Chancellor and President, Western Sydney University

The announcement today by Minister Birmingham that higher education funding for 2016 will not be cut and that the Government will consult on future funding options is a much needed circuit-breaker.

Universities support Labor’s commitment to guarantee funding for teaching and learning, as announced by the Leader of the Opposition today.

Universities Australia congratulates Simon Birmingham on his appointment as Minister for Education and Training, and Christopher Pyne on his appointment as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, and calls on the Government to immediately dump the proposed 20 per cent cut to university funding and reverse the decline in public investment in research and innovation.

Two new bills introduced to Parliament today will cut red tape and boost the competitiveness of one of Australia’s largest export industries – the education of international students.

Universities Australia has congratulated Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop on their election as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party – and urged the new leadership team to back their optimistic vision for the future with a strong investment in universities.

Universities Australia and its counterpart body, the Japan Association of National Universities (JANU), have taken a major step to deepen university education and research cooperation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Canberra.

Universities Australia has welcomed the progress made by the Indian and Australian Governments in further strengthening the education, training and research relationships between our two countries.

Universities Australia welcomes the appointment of distinguished former senior journalist and communications specialist Misha Schubert as its new Director, Strategic Communications.

Figures today showing that exports from international education services have hit a record $18.1 billion in 2014-15 are an endorsement of the hard work of our universities in delivering an educational experience of uncompromising quality and standards.

A letter to the editor of The Australian.

Universities Australia has joined with business and community leaders in condemning racism in all its forms, reaffirming its long standing commitment to the “Racism: It Stops With Me” campaign by the Human Rights Commission.

The three initiatives announced today by Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Julie Bishop MP to expand the New Colombo Plan (NCP) will further improve future prospects of students and deepen engagement between universities and business in our region.

An opinion piece by Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson.
The power of three refers to the disproportionate strength and ­stability of three compared with two. Think of the rustic three-legged stool: simple, durable and able to withstand heavy loads. Without the third leg, it is simply firewood.

Universities Australia has signed an agreement with Canadian organisation, Mitacs, which will allow Australian undergraduate students to participate in an elite research internship programme in Canada for the first time.

The Federal Government’s announcement of $4.7 million in grants through the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) highlights the crucial role these grants play in driving excellence in teaching and learning within Australia’s universities.

A Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between Australian and India planned for finalisation by the end of 2015 is an historic opportunity for both countries to grow and prosper in the coming decades with aligned economic and trade interests.

Universities Australia’s public awareness campaign ‘Keep it Clever’, highlighting the importance of proper investment in university education and research, has been awarded the Government Relations Campaign of the Year 2015: Services Sector at an award ceremony in Canberra.

Over 40 research data collections have been released – covering everything from cloud measurement to pavements and roads, ancient DNA, oral histories of Western Sydney and the changing coastline – at a national showcase in Canberra today.

The first ever roundtable on International Education held at Parliament House today has begun work on a whole-of-government and whole-of-sector approach to maximise international education’s significant benefits to Australia’s diverse society, economy and diplomatic relationships.

The introduction of a simplified international student visa framework will support a more equitable system where high quality and low risk providers can thrive – and in the process enhance the competitiveness of international higher education.

The first ever Brazil-Australia Higher Education Forum, held in Brazil’s capital (Brasilia) this week, has resulted in a number of concrete actions that will further advance and deepen higher education and research engagement between the two countries.

Universities Australia commends the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) for highlighting the need for greater collaboration between business, government and the education and training sector in the launch of the organisation’s new leadership policy report “Addressing Enterprise Leadership in Australia”.

The Federal Government’s announcement today of the membership of the Coordinating Council for International Education lays a strong foundation for effective finalisation of the Government’s National Strategy for International Education.

Universities Australia commends the Federal Government’s setting of national priorities for science and research.

Universities Australia welcomes the next stage in the Federal Government’s agenda to boost the commercial returns from research.

The latest Universitas 21 Report ranks Australia as one of the top countries for the efficiency of its higher education system despite disturbingly low levels of public investment compared with other countries.

Last night the leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, committed to lifting research funding to three per cent of GDP by the end of the next decade but stopped short in identifying the commensurate savings measures that would be needed to fund such a commitment.

Universities have welcomed a number of positive measures announced in the Abbott Government’s second budget but have expressed deep disappointment at cuts to research programmes and the level of progress made in providing much needed higher education funding and policy certainty.

The university sector is dismayed at media reports this morning flagging substantial cuts to the Department of Education and Training including through the possible abolition of the Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT) Advisory Committee and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council (ATSIHEAC).

The Federal Government’s move to recoup student loan debt from graduates living overseas will correct a long overdue anomaly in the repayment obligations of Australian graduates according to the universities peak body.

A sharp increase in the number of international students over the same period last year is testament to the ongoing work of universities in providing a high quality education and student experience.

The Australian university sector has a strong international reputation for offering high quality education and has a long standing commitment to maintaining standards and combating fraud – a commitment that is constantly evolving to address new challenges as they emerge.

Australian universities’ commitment to quality has again been internationally recognised with the release of the 2014 International Student Survey report today.

The advice paper issued by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) makes a helpful contribution to the ongoing efforts of universities to reduce and mitigate the risk of fraudulent behaviour in delivering international education.

International research collaboration will increase substantially this week with the official opening of applications for the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

The Government’s draft National Strategy for International Education released today has the potential to lead to the development and growth of international education in Australia.

Universities Australia welcomes a new landmark report commissioned by the Office of the Chief Scientist highlighting the magnitude of the contribution made by research and science to economic growth and employment.

Universities Australia welcomes the passage of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015 which addresses the concerns raised by universities and research organisations following the introduction of the original legislation.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson
Transcript of interview with David Lipson
Sky News: Lunchtime Agenda
E & O E

The decision by Parliament to reject the amended higher education package opens the way for a national discussion on a long-term, sustainable and predictable funding model for university education and research.

Universities Australia is pleased that the Federal Government has listened and responded to the sector’s concerns about research infrastructure funding and the 20 percent cut to university per student funding accompanying the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill.

Address to the National Press Club of Australia
Ms Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia

University and business leaders today announced a comprehensive, national strategy to build the productive capacity of Australia’s workforce, improve graduate job prospects and meet the skills needs of employers.

Dear Prime Minister,
We, the undersigned members of the National Research Alliance are writing to alert you to the damage being caused to significant public infrastructure by the continued uncertainty over operational funding for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Western Sydney Professor Barney Glover, will become the next Chair of Universities Australia, the current Chair, Professor Sandra Harding, announced today.

The Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TMAG) report and the Government’s response both outline a practical and ambitious teacher education strategy broadly supported by Universities Australia.

Universities Australia congratulates Professor Nicholas Saunders AO for his appointment as ongoing part-time Chief Commissioner at the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), and the appointment of Ms Linley Martin as an additional part-time Commissioner.

With the Government indicating that the higher education legislation will be a top priority when Parliament resumes next month, the university sector urges the Senate to seize this fresh opportunity to amend and pass a new fairer package.

Universities Australia strongly supports comments today by the Education Minister Christopher Pyne that a reduction in the 20 per cent cut to university funding is part of the negotiations with crossbench Senators to pass a fairer and more affordable higher education package.

The Universities Australia Higher Education Conference is the sector’s must-attend event held at a time when university education and research is more critical than ever to securing an innovative and prosperous future.

Universities Australia is working with its counterpart organisation in Japan to pave the way for signing a Memorandum of Understanding next year to develop closer cooperation on higher education, research and work-integrated learning for students.

A major new paper released today by Universities Australia calls for a long term plan to promote national research priorities, support for researchers and deep university-industry collaboration.

Universities Australia commends the Parliament for passing legislation to streamline university regulation under the sector regulator, the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Universities Australia has welcomed the Government’s introduction of a new higher education bill into the Parliament but has reiterated its view that the bill does not go far enough in ensuring fairness and affordability.

Universities Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement that it would seek to move amendments to the higher education legislation but has warned that these are insufficient to satisfy calls by the sector for substantial changes to improve fairness and affordability.

The welcome concessions made by the Government after negotiation with Senators Madigan and Day demonstrate the capacity of crossbench senators to shape a new and fairer higher education package.

The ability of scientists and researchers in Australia and Switzerland to collaborate on ground-breaking research and innovation has been significantly enhanced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries today.

Dear Senators,
As you are aware, without strong and sustainable universities, Australia risks being left behind.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson
Transcript of interview with Andrew Greene
ABC News 24: Capital Hill
E & O E

The landmark China-Australia Free Trade Agreement signed in Canberra today will foster an even deeper relationship with China in university education and research.

Universities Australia commends the release of the Federal Government’s consultation paper, Boosting Commercial Returns from Research as a key part of implementing the Australian Government’s Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.

Universities Australia has commended the work of the Senate Education and Employment legislation committee inquiring into the Federal Government’s Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill 2014.

Fifty six per cent of Australians support the deregulation of university fees if the Senate makes important changes to secure fairness for students, families and taxpayers.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson
Transcript of interview with Fran Kelly
ABC Radio National
E & O E

The Federal Government’s plan to place science at the centre of industry policy is necessary to lift national competitiveness, the peak body representing universities said today.

Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia – Many thanks Senators for inviting us to elaborate on the Universities Australia submission to this inquiry into the Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill 2014. We look forward to a most productive discussion this morning.

Universities Australia today announced the formation of a major science and research exchange agreement between Australian universities and those in one of the most research-intensive industrial countries in the world – Germany.

The quality, performance, competitiveness and reputation of Australia’s higher education sector will be condemned to a path of inevitable decline if, in the absence of increased public investment, the Government’s higher education proposals are discarded in their entirety, according to peak university body, Universities Australia.

Why is it that a consensus of Australian universities are calling on Senate crossbenchers to support and amend the Government’s higher education reform agenda?

For years the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee – and then Universities Australia – warned higher education in Australia was moving inexorably towards a tipping point.

Australian undergraduates will now have the opportunity to study and undertake internships in one of Australia’s largest trading partners following the official launch today of the New Colombo Plan in India by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Universities Australia supports the Chief Scientist’s calls for a more strategic approach to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help secure Australia’s future prosperity.

The peak body representing Australia’s universities calls on the Parliament to support the deregulation of Australian universities with changes to the Government’s proposals that will assure affordability for students and taxpayers.

In vigorously promoting the Government’s proposed changes to higher education, the Minister for Education Christopher Pyne has indicated that the Government would be willing to consider Senate amendments that would help to secure the package through the Parliament.

The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) plays an important role in representing the interests of the over half a million international students attending Australia’s universities.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Australia and his address to Parliament, signals a closer economic relationship which will further enhance an already strong trade and investment relationship including in higher education and research.

Universities Australia congratulates the forty undergraduate students who have been awarded scholarships under the Government’s New Colombo Plan to study in Indonesia, Japan, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Higher education continues to be a hot topic of conversation and there are no signs it has been exhausted.

The peak body representing Australia’s universities has called for a rethink on the design of the proposed changes to the student loan program and the 20 per cent cut in the Government contribution to student fees.

The fog has lifted on the Government’s intent on higher education reform but implementation on the ground is a real pea-souper.

Universities Australia Chair Professor Sandra Harding
Transcript of interview with Samantha Donovan
ABC AM

Tonight’s budget puts higher education on a path of radical change that the Federal Government anticipates will deliver the twin aspirations of financial sustainability and the world’s best higher education system.

The Universities Australia plenary met today and discussed the reforms to higher education being considered by the Government in the budget context.

Universities Australia supports a number of the recommendations of the Commission of Audit and sees the Report’s release as an opportunity for the university sector to work jointly with the Government in progressing its higher education agenda.

As every home renovator knows, once you start, it is difficult to stop. Refurbishing one part inevitably recasts your view of others. So it is with the issues raised by the report of the Review of the Demand Driven Funding system by the Hon Dr David Kemp and Andrew Norton.

The nation’s top scientists and researchers have called on the Abbott Government to honour its election commitments and to provide a stable, long-term vision for science and research, as the release of the National Commission of Audit and the Federal Budget approach.

Extending Federal Government funding to for-profit non-university higher education providers (NUHEPs) as proposed by the Kemp-Norton review is a policy high wire act which, if not properly controlled, could endanger the hard won reputation of the Australian higher education sector, Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said today.

Universities Australia strongly supports the Review of the Demand Driven Funding System’s central recommendation that undergraduate bachelor level places should remain uncapped.

Universities Australia welcomes the announcement of a well-qualified Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Advisory Council which will have a pivotal role in ensuring high standards and quality while reducing unnecessary regulation of the higher education sector.

The Minister for Education, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP today affirmed support for Universities Australia’s ‘Keep it Clever’ campaign to promote the importance of university education and research for Australia’s future.

Universities Australia is strongly backing the push by the Federal Government to accelerate and deepen university education, research and business engagement with Japan.

Universities Australia today commended Westpac for its unprecedented $100 million private sector fund promoting university education, research and innovation to help shape the economy to come and create the leaders of the future.

A “Keep it Clever” public awareness campaign unveiled by Universities Australia today will turbo charge a national conversation about the role of university education and research in creating the economy of the future.

In noting the Senate’s decision to refer the Federal Government’s proposed changes to streamline the university regulator – the Tertiary Education Quality & Standards Agency (TEQSA) – to committee, Universities Australia has urged the Committee to complete its work expeditiously.

A new agreement between Universities Australia and business groups will improve the work-readiness of university graduates, expand their job opportunities as well as enhance outcomes for employers.

Address to the National Press Club
February 26, 2014
Professor Sandra Harding
Chair, Universities Australia
Vice Chancellor James Cook University

Education Minister Christopher Pyne’s announcement today of a Teaching Education Ministerial Advisory Group – Chaired by Universities Australia Board member and Vice-Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University, Professor Greg Craven – is strongly supported by the sector.

Universities Australia welcomes the release by the Attorney General, Senator the Hon George Brandis, of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s report: Copyright and the Digital Economy.

The Government has shown no signs of slowing its assault on productivity-sapping red tape with its announcement today that it will accept all the recommendations of the PhillipsKPA Review of Reporting Requirements for Universities.

In making its submission to the Commission of Audit, the peak body representing universities has encouraged Commissioners to place their higher education focus on achieving efficiency through reducing the reporting and regulatory burden on universities.

With unprecedented and far-reaching changes occurring to higher education both nationally and internationally, Universities Australia’s Higher Education Conference 2014 will bring together local and global leaders to examine the sector’s rapidly emerging challenges, opportunities and directions.

Universities Australia supports the demand driven system as a way to provide Australians with the opportunity to obtain a life-changing university education.

Today’s announcement by the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Education Minister to abandon the $2,000 cap on tax deductions for self-education expenses announced by the previous government lifts one of the most serious threats to Australia’s productivity and competitiveness.

Today’s announcement by the Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne, of a number of measures to reduce the regulatory and reporting burden on universities represents practical and early action by the Minister on a key government election commitment.

Universities Australia congratulates Bill Shorten on his election as Leader of the Opposition and all of those appointed to the Shadow Ministry today.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson
Transcript of interview with James Carleton
ABC Radio National Breakfast

In his first major speech on higher education since the election, Education Minister Christopher Pyne left today’s audience in little doubt about the Government’s intention to turbo-charge international education policy against a backdrop of declining enrolments and export revenue.

Linking science and research with industry policy under the Minister for Industry, acknowledges the role of science and research in driving national productivity and industry innovation.

Universities Australia congratulates the new Abbott Ministry, in particular Education Minister Christopher Pyne, Assistant Minister for Education, Sussan Ley, and Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Senator Scott Ryan.

Universities Australia congratulates the new Abbott Government and looks forward to working together on a future agenda for cementing higher education as a critical pillar supporting long-term national prosperity and well-being, as identified in the Coalition’s, Real Solutions. 

The Coalition’s Budget Impact document released today commits to increasing the investment in medical research, provides additional further funding for the New Colombo Plan, and reflects the Coalition’s promise not to cut education funding.

Today’s Innovation statement announced by Labor stresses the critical role of innovation in driving national prosperity and of universities as central to the task of transforming the Australian economy.

Universities Australia has called on the major parties to release their election policies on positioning universities for the critical task of transforming and diversifying the economy for future growth and prosperity.

The New Colombo Plan announced today by the Coalition has the potential to transform Australia-Asia Pacific relations in the same way that its predecessor, the Colombo Plan, did from the 1950s to 80s.

Australia’s universities are critical to the transformation of Australia’s economy and to the social and cultural wellbeing of its citizens.

Universities Australia today welcomed the launch of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Science Strategy 2013-2018, saying it will help ensure that Government policy is informed by rigorous, evidence-based research.

An independent report released today on higher education regulation reaffirms that higher education quality is best assured when regulated within a framework that recognises and respects university autonomy and where universities are responsible for maintaining and enhancing quality.

The welcomed decision to defer and review the introduction of the $2,000 cap on tax deductions for self-education expenses shows that the Rudd Government has listened to the concerns raised by universities, industry groups and practically every professional group in the country.

Universities Australia strongly supports the call by Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb for a comprehensive integrated strategy to place research and innovation at the centre of Australia’s drive for future economic prosperity and social wellbeing.

The Government’s announcement today of a new project to map the national research and teaching capacity in the humanities and social sciences recognises the critical role that these disciplines will play in shaping Australia’s future, particularly in the Asian Century.

Universities Australia along with 15 other members of the #ScrapTheCap Alliance, today met with the Shadow Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne about the proposed $2000 cap on tax deductions for self-education expenses, announced by former Treasurer Wayne Swan in April.

Postgraduate full fee student numbers could drop by up to 30 per cent in just four years and Australia’s national productivity could fall by at least $2.8 billion annually if the Government goes ahead with its proposal to tax education, modelling by Universities Australia has found.

Universities Australia today met with the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Minister for Higher Education Kim Carr, to discuss issues of concern to universities as they seek to secure an innovative, productive and competitive future for all Australians.

Around two-thirds of students have reported incomes below the poverty line as student debt soars by almost 30 per cent in just six years according to the findings of the

Australia’s $14.5 billion a-year international education industry – our fourth largest export industry and largest non-resources export – has received a welcome boost with the recent sharp decline of the Australian dollar.

The Australian Greens’ plan to boost university funding by $1.474 billion (over the forward estimates) by increasing student base funding by 10 per cent and reversing the Government’s multi-billion dollar cuts will support Australia making the transition to a highly productive, knowledge economy.

Universities Australia today hosted a meeting of 20 professional peak bodies who are calling on the Federal Government to oppose the $2,000 per year cap on tax deductions for self-education.

Universities Australia congratulates Senator Kim Carr on his appointment as Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Minister for Higher Education – an appointment that recognises the crucial role that universities will play in driving Australia’s economic future.

Universities Australia congratulates Kevin Rudd on becoming Prime Minister and looks forward to working with him and his government on building a plan for revitalising Australian manufacturing, creating new jobs, new industries and economic diversity.

A new study reveals the pivotal role played by universities in the economic, social and cultural development of the regions they serve around Australia.

Australia’s ability to prosper as a productive, healthy and sustainable society depends crucially on its capacity to make the most of its people’s potential.

Universities Australia has adopted a ten point action plan for student safety from recommendations developed by the Deputy and Pro Vice-Chancellors (International) from Australian universities, as part of a meeting convened by Universities Australia in Canberra on June 4 and 5.

Universities Australia today released its action plan to address participation and equity levels in higher education of people from low socio-economic backgrounds and Indigenous people.