Education Minister Simon Birmingham said this week “our professional accreditation system needs a tune up” and accepted in principle a series of recommendations from the Higher Education Standards Panel on how to achieve it.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said the university sector and UA looked forward to participating in the consultations recommended by the panel.

“This work builds on the solid foundations laid by Universities Australia and Professions Australia with our Joint Statement of Principles launched in 2016,” she said.

“This agenda will help everyone to be clearer on the delineation of respective roles and responsibilities.”

“It is the role of universities – as autonomous, self-accrediting institutions already regulated by TEQSA – to determine how they deliver the education that achieves the professional competencies required in particular professions.”

Professions Australia’s Vice President and Chair of Accreditation, Klaus Veil, says that Australia should have professional accrediting processes that move readily with the times as well as minimise costs and red tape.

“And it is the role of professional organisations and accrediting bodies to outline the professional knowledge and competencies required of graduates in their field,” he said.

“Since 2012, we have been collaborating with our professional member organisations to continually improve accreditation processes and procedures which are vital to graduate success. Our members also look forward to participating in the consultations on the panel’s recommendations.”

Universities Australia and Professions Australia thank Minister Birmingham and the Higher Education Standards Panel for their work and will continue to assist the process.