“Australia needs a research system that supports our national interest and empowers our researchers to do their vital work,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“The recommendations put to government in the review led by Professor Margaret Sheil AO will help enable this, and we thank Minister Clare for listening and accepting these measures that put strong governance, peer review and genuine transparency back at the core of the ARC.

“This is vital to the smooth and effective running of our world-class university system.

“We look forward to the ARC Board strengthening the integrity of decision-making processes and fully support changes that limit interference and delay in the grants process.

“These are game-changing steps to create a stronger, more stable environment for researchers to continue preparing Australia for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“Universities Australia will continue to engage with government on the finer details of the legislation as we move toward implementation.”