Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said certainty has been in short supply and universities are keen to get on with the job of delivering higher education and research on behalf of all Australians.

“As with nearly every sector in the Australian economy, it had been a tough year for higher education.”

“The emphasis on participation in the package is appropriate with increasing demand for university qualifications in the face of the COVID-19 recession,” Ms Jackson said.

Universities Australia welcomed changes to the legislation that strengthen protections for students who fail units due to circumstances beyond their control.

“It is important that we do not compound disadvantage,” Ms Jackson said.

“Also, from the day the package was announced, we have been expressing concern about additional financial pressure on students. That concern remains.”

Universities Australia argued strongly that indexation, growth and transition funding should be protected in the legislation.

“We are disappointed to see that hasn’t happened but look forward to seeing the details in the guidelines that sit under the legislation.”

“The Bill includes significant change for students and universities, and we will continue to argue it must be reviewed in future years.”