Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said giving more Australians the chance to go to university and succeed was essential to meeting the nation’s future skills and economic needs.

“Australia needs more university-educated workers, not fewer,” Mr Sheehy said.

“That means opening the door to university for more Australians, no matter their postcode, background or bank balance.

“More opportunity is good for students, good for communities and good for the economy.

“The Australian Universities Accord made clear that Australia’s future depends on more people getting to and through tertiary education. Universities have a critical role to play in making that happen.

“This bill represents a major change to how student places are funded, allocated and supported. The ambition is right, but the detail matters.

“Changes of this scale need to be scrutinised closely to make sure we get them right for students, universities and the nation.

“That means ensuring the system supports growth, protects quality, respects university autonomy and gives universities the flexibility and resources they need to deliver for students.

“If we get this right, more Australians will have the chance to go to university, succeed and help build Australia’s future.

“Universities Australia will work constructively across the Parliament in support of that objective.”