Australia’s university leaders will carefully examine proposals to tie growth funds for student places to a new set of metrics — and will provide feedback to Government as it finalises its plan.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said universities would work with Government on proposals put forward by the panel tasked with developing the framework.

“Universities will carefully consider these proposals and provide feedback as the Government finalises its performance-based funding framework,” she said.

Ms Jackson said universities and the Government understand the complex nature of any performance based scheme and the importance of getting the details right.

“We are confident that neither Government nor universities would want to see institutions that educate some of the nation’s most disadvantaged students lose out financially.”

“We note today’s assurance from Education Minister Dan Tehan that the model would be able to be adjusted over time for unforeseen consequences.”

Under the proposals, up to 7.5 per cent of funding for student places would eventually go into a funding pool and each university would have to meet metrics on four measures to receive their share of funds.

“We need to ensure that the proposed system can adequately meet student demand, plan for future workforce needs, and serve diverse local communities.”

“We are also acutely aware that an increasing number of 18 year-olds deserve the same chance at university that their siblings enjoyed.”

“That’s especially true for universities who educate more regional, mature-age, part-time, Indigenous and disadvantaged students.”