The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) has commenced interim operation to steward Australia’s tertiary education system and ensure future skills needs are met.
The establishment of the ATEC is a pivotal step forward in setting up Australia’s tertiary education system for the future and was a key recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord.
Leading the interim ATEC will be interim Chief Commissioner, Professor Mary O’Kane AC and interim First Nations Commissioner Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO. They will be supported by Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO.
Over the next six months, the interim Commissioners will focus on early shaping of ATEC’s stewardship role for the sector through consulting, engaging, co-creating and building relationships with a wide range of tertiary education stakeholders.
The interim ATEC will be crucial to creating the pathway for the ongoing, legislated ATEC, which will initially focus on implementing the landmark higher education reforms agreed by government once it is established. The role of the interim Commission is to create a consultative forum that supports the Government in finalising key priorities.
Once fully established, the ATEC will focus on:
- driving a joined-up tertiary system
- determining allocations for the new Managed Growth Funding system
- implementing Needs-based Funding as part of the core funding model
- negotiating Mission-based Compacts to support a diverse, responsive, and high-performing sector.
Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP said:
“We need to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, from the regions and the outer suburbs from getting a crack at uni and succeeding when they get there.
“The Universities Accord recommended we establish an independent body to help drive and steer reform over the long term.
“We are establishing an Australian Tertiary Education Commission to help drive this reform.
“These are big reforms that are all part of building a better and a fairer education system.”
In the long-term, the ATEC will lead the tertiary education system to deliver quality education, while offering more opportunities for more people across the country to benefit from tertiary education.
The ATEC is intended to be formally established by 2026, pending the passage of legislation.
To find out more, visit Australian Tertiary Education Commission.