The Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) are inviting feedback on potential amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
- Date opened
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- Date closes
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The Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) consultation on potential amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021
The HESP has released a consultation paper seeking feedback on potential amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
Date opened: 26 February 2026
Submissions close: 15 March 2026.
Consultation period closes: 18 March 2026
The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, has asked the HESP to provide advice on potential amendments to the Threshold Standards to address several high‑priority and emerging issues.
The consultation paper covers key areas where targeted amendments would improve student safety, strengthen governance, enhance inclusion and ensure the Threshold Standards keep pace with technological and sector change.
The HESP is committed to a transparent and inclusive consultation process. It is inviting comment on one or more of the issues outlined in the consultation paper with an aim to draw in a broad range of views and perspectives. Specifically, the HESP is seeking feedback on:
- Demonstrating a commitment to addressing racism
- Incorporating the University Governance Principles and transparency requirements
- Support for people with disability
- Responding to emerging technology risks including Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
- Approaches to a cyclical review of the Threshold Standards
Feedback can be provided through a submission, the feedback form or during a webinar.
Submissions
Responses to the questions in the consultation paper can be provided via the survey link or by emailing submissions to HESFconsultation@atec.gov.au by 11.59 pm, 15 March 2026.
Read the HESP consultation paper
Webinar Registration
Webinars will be held between Tuesday 10 March and Friday 13 March covering the following themes:
- Demonstrating a commitment to addressing racism
- Incorporating governance principles and transparency requirements
- Support for people with disability
- Responding to emerging technology risks (GenAI)
There will also be dedicated webinars across the above topics for First Nations Peoples and Students and Youth.