“We thank Senator Duniam for his strong engagement with the higher education sector during his time as Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning,” Mr Sheehy said.

“He has been a great friend of the sector, deeply engaged in the issues that matter for universities, and the students and communities we serve.

“We look forward to continuing to work with him in his new portfolio of Home Affairs, particularly on the important intersections between migration, national security and international education.”

Mr Sheehy also congratulated Mr Leeser on his new shadow education portfolio.

“Mr Leeser has long understood the value of education and research to Australia’s future,” Mr Sheehy said.

“We look forward to working closely with him and the Coalition to strengthen universities’ contribution to Australia’s prosperity, skills and national capability.”

He also welcomed Ms McKenzie’s appointment as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education.

“Ms McKenzie is a long-standing advocate for higher education and international students,” Mr Sheehy said.

Universities Australia will seek to meet with the new shadow ministers in the coming weeks.

ENDS