“This cabinet has the task of delivering reforms to ensure Australia’s universities remain strong and can meet the nation’s evolving needs,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

“We congratulate the Hon Jason Clare MP on his reappointment as Minister for Education and the Hon Andrew Giles MP, who continues as the Minister for Skills and Training.

“These reappointments provide our sector with continuity, which is so important during this era of reform.

“Minister Clare has been a steadfast advocate for universities, and his continued leadership is vital as we work to make our higher education sector stronger for the benefit of all Australians.

“Minister Giles understands and appreciates the importance of universities, VET and TAFE working together to produce the pipeline of skilled workers Australia needs to grow and prosper.

“I look forward to continuing to work with both Minister Clare and Minister Giles to further implement the Universities Accord to ensure universities can support Australia’s future.

“I also want to congratulate Senator Tim Ayres on his appointment as Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science. These areas are critical to Australia’s future and universities are big contributors.

“Dr Andrew Charlton’s appointment as the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy shows the Government’s commitment to these policy areas, and we will be eagerly engaging with both Minister Ayres and Assistant Minister Charlton.

“Outgoing Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic has left the portfolio in good shape, and I want to thank Minister Husic for his support and contribution to our sector over the last three years.

“Similarly, I want to acknowledge Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm for his work in the education portfolio, and I wish him well in his new portfolios.

“Moving forward, our sector needs certainty and stability in international education, and I look forward to continuing to work constructively with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to find a workable path forward.

“Minister Burke will be ably supported by the new Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill MP, and I welcome the creation of this role given the sector’s importance to the Australian economy and our relationships with the outside world.

“The Government’s commitment to reducing student debt is a worthy initiative and we welcome this being a legislative priority, but we also need to prioritise reforms that directly support universities.

“Australia’s universities are key drivers of productivity and economic growth – replacing the student funding system and investing in research properly will help keep them that way and I want to encourage the Government to prioritise these reforms.

“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Government to open the door to university for more Australians and to deliver and skills and innovation Australia needs to grow and prosper.”