Mr Leeser has shown a strong interest in education policy, and an appreciation of the role universities play in shaping Australia’s future.

We value his engagement with the sector to date and look forward to continuing a constructive and practical working relationship with him.

Continuity in the education portfolio is important at a time of significant reform and increasing demand for skills and innovation and will help support informed policy development and deeper engagement with our sector.

We also welcome the appointments of Mr Aaron Violi as Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation and Ms Jacinta Price as Shadow Minister for Skills and Training.

These portfolios have a clear focus on long-term national priorities in education and research, and we look forward to working closely with both Mr Violi and Ms Price.

From health to engineering to technology to energy, universities are a whole-of-economy force – building the workforce and industries and driving the innovation Australia relies on.

Our engagement will extend beyond traditional portfolios across the entire shadow ministry to ensure Australia’s universities can continue to deliver for students, industry and the broader community.

We also thank outgoing members of the ministry for working constructively with us, notably the Hon Scott Buchholz who departs the skills and training portfolio.