“Australia’s universities support the Government’s key priority in making Australia’s economy more productive and prosperous,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

“Improving productivity is essential to maintaining a high standard of living and creating more opportunities for all Australians, so that everyone is better off.

“This task is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation. It will require the collaboration of government, industry, education providers and workforces to help solve Australia’s productivity challenge.

“Universities are critical to the job at hand. They skill Australia’s future workforce, generate new ideas and products through research, and engage with the world to drive economic development and success.

“Our sector would strongly welcome a seat at the table in August to help drive productivity-enhancing reforms to support a modern and prosperous economy for the benefit of all Australians.”