Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said she was pleased to hear the incoming Prime Minister acknowledge the dramatic changes that technology and global competition were unleashing across the Australian economy.

“The key to adapting and thriving in the face of those global changes will be a clever investment in Australia’s universities. This is vital to ensure our country isn’t left behind,” Ms Robinson said.

Ms Robinson said Mr Turnbull has long championed the links between university education and research and national economic success. She said his first public comments as incoming Prime Minister had been well received by the sector.

“As Mr Turnbull said last night, as the world becomes more competitive, and new opportunities arise, Australia must be able to take advantage of them. We agree that we need to be a nation that is agile, that is innovative, that is creative. That’s always been our own vision for the country,” Ms Robinson said.

“Universities are part of the strong foundations to ensure Australia’s prosperity in the years ahead.

“Universities are vital to our next wave of economic growth – as the incubators of new industries and ground breaking innovations, as the generators of the nation’s research, and as the institutions that must produce the highly skilled workers needed in this new economy,” Ms Robinson said.

As the peak body for universities, Universities Australia looks forward to working with the Turnbull Government to make the case for the smartest possible investment in the future prosperity of all Australians.

The sector has acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Prime Minister Tony Abbott, particularly his commitment to reducing university red tape and the promotion of global engagement in higher education.