Recommendations
- The Productivity Commission affirm that Government policy and investment settings should ensure a strong, vibrant university and research system as a fundamental driver of Australia’s productivity growth.
- The Productivity Commission affirm that the funding framework for government-subsidised university places should be adequate to meet future student demand due to changes in population and the labour market.
- The Productivity Commission consider that uncapped places should be extend to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, not just those from regional and remote areas.
- The Productivity Commission support extension of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to Australians undertaking non-award microcredentials.
- The Productivity Commission consider a time-limited health service placement adjustment package to support health workforce supply and skills growth.
- The Productivity Commission consider a time-limited targeted grant program to support additional clinical education technology in the university sector.
- The Productivity Commission consider the appropriate balance of the Government’s investment in university research to enhance Australia’s productivity.
- The Productivity Commission consider whether Australia’s research and development effort would be better supported through shifting the balance between direct support programs and indirect schemes like the R&D Tax Incentive.
- The Productivity Commission consider measures to:
– identify and deal with regulatory overlap;
– coordinate regulatory and reporting requirements more effectively in different portfolios; and
– work with stakeholders to understand the balance of regulatory benefit and cost.