Universities had been working with Government on the Transforming the Collection of Student Information (TCSI) process and the Transparency in Higher Education Expenditure project. 

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson acknowledged the Government’s ongoing engagement with the university sector and commitment to flexibility.  

“Universities are making very rapid changes to the way they carry out their core functions of research and teaching, as well as putting in place new arrangements to support students and staff. 

“The suspension of these projects will relieve some pressure.” 

“Government has listened to the concerns of the university sector and made the commonsense decision to temporarily suspend these projects,” Ms Jackson said. 

Universities Australia also welcomed moves by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to provide further flexibility to universities in compliance and reporting activities to help manage demands on university resources. 

This includes providing extensions on Higher Education Provider registration renewals and additional flexibility on timeframes for reporting. Universities Australia appreciates TEQSA’s willingness to adapt its regulatory approach in this difficult time.