On this page:
As part of MYEFO 2017–18, the Government announced that it was capping Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS) funding for bachelor level courses at 2017 levels for 2018 and 2019. From 2020, funding for bachelor level places will grow in line with population growth in the 18 to 64 year-old age bracket, with universities able to access this growth if they meet specified performance requirements.
Performance-based funding is intended to ensure universities focus sufficient attention on the quality of their teaching, and student support to ultimately achieve the best possible graduate outcomes.
On 18 December 2018, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education, announced that an expert panel, chaired by Professor Paul Wellings CBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, would lead the consultation with the sector on the implementation of this important reform.
The panel members are:
- Professor Paul Wellings CBE (Chair), Vice-Chancellor, University of Wollongong
- Professor Greg Craven AO, GCSG, Vice-Chancellor and President, Australian Catholic University
- Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Tasmania
- Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor, University of Western Australia
- Professor Sandra Harding AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, James Cook University
- Ms Barbara Bennett PSM, Former Deputy Secretary, Department of Social Services (retired from the panel on 8 April 2019).
The consultation process included the release of a consultation paper for public submissions, followed by targeted stakeholder consultations in the first half of 2019. A final report was provided on 30 June 2019.
On 2 October 2019, the Minister for Education announced the final design of the PBF scheme for 2020.
Submissions
On 18 December 2018, a discussion paper was released inviting public submissions. Submissions were accepted until 15 February 2019.