Chief Executive Belinda Robinson welcomed Education Minister Simon Birmingham’s announcement that he has asked the panel for advice on how to improve transparency in student admissions policies.

“As a sector, we stand ready to work on improvements that can help to make the admissions requirements and policies clearer for students and parents,” she said.

Many Vice-Chancellors have contributed to the public discussion in recent weeks about how the admissions processes operate across the country.

“University entry has become increasingly complex, with a diverse range of pathways to entry now providing greater opportunity for all Australians to benefit from a higher education,” Ms Robinson said.

“ATARs need to be supplemented by other entry processes and procedures that recognise the differing circumstances of our young people and that focus on the potential for successfully completing a university education.

“They also need to encourage, rather than impede, the lifelong learning, upskilling and retraining that is becoming the norm in our modern economy.

“An ATAR tells you something about a student’s ability to achieve at school but it doesn’t tell you everything,” Ms Robinson said.

Universities Australia congratulates all members of the Higher Education Standards Panel on their appointment, noting their breadth and depth of expertise.

“We warmly welcome the new appointment of Dr Krystal Evans, a leading advocate for science and technology. She will bring valuable experience and understanding of the importance of science and innovation to the Panel,” Ms Robinson said.

“The reappointment of the Chair Professor Peter Shergold AC ensures that the strong leadership of the Panel continues, as the revised higher education standards framework is implemented.”