“The growing workforce challenges facing our defence sector come as Australia’s strategic circumstances are becoming more complex,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

“We urgently need more highly skilled professionals to boost defence capability and help meet current and future workforce needs, as the Government’s new strategy recognises. Universities are central to this task.

“Building this workforce will require the full support of the Government so our universities can continue educating the skilled workers our defence force needs – from engineers and intelligence officers to cyber security professionals and IT specialists.

“Universities also undertake the research central to how Australia responds to the changing global environment and need to be fully supported to continue this important work.

“The Australian Universities Accord final report includes a series of recommendations to underpin the expansion of university teaching and research which will support the national defence strategy.

“We will continue to work with government to support the ongoing and crucial work universities do to deliver for the nation.”