“A university education opens the door to opportunity and to a fulfilling career,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

“The opportunity to attend university must be available to all Australians, regardless of where they live, and that is what these hubs in the outer suburbs and the regions will help with.

“Australia continues to grapple with major skill shortages across the entire economy, which is one compelling reason why we need to draw on the talents and skills of all Australians. Our universities can help with that.

“Universities have long called for measures to boost participation of underrepresented groups in higher education. This is a step in the right direction, and we congratulate the government.

“Building on this, the government can extend uncapped places to all Indigenous Australians, regardless of where they live, and we again call on the government to make this change.

“This would go a long way to closing the attainment gap and addressing decades of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“More jobs in the future will require a university degree, which is why we must be doing everything we can to boost university participation in the coming years.

“We’ll continue to work closely with government to ensure universities are fully supported to educate the skilled professionals needed to keep Australia strong, safe and prosperous.”