Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Universities Australia congratulates the Hon Sussan Ley MP on being elected leader of the Liberal Party and the Hon David Littleproud MP on his re-election as leader of the Nationals

Universities Australia welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministry following Labor’s decisive election victory.

“Universities Australia congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their victory at the 2025 federal election,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

The Coalition’s promise of new funding for campus infrastructure and additional Commonwealth supported places recognises the university sector’s role in driving Australia’s future, particularly in the regions.

TOPICS: International students, research funding, regional Australia, skills, research, federal election

Topics – International students, skilled workers, research and development, housing crisis, skill shortages 

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

TOPICS: Coalition’s plans for international education, international students, housing

Universities Australia has warned that the Coalition’s proposed cuts to international student numbers – alongside increasing visa fees – would damage the economy and Australia’s global reputation, without solving the housing crisis.

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

This budget offers important support for Australians in a fiscally constrained environment – the next step must be the long-term reforms the nation needs to meet the challenges ahead.

TOPICS: US funding to Australian researchers, PhD students, Horizon research program, international students, 2025-26 federal budget

TOPICS: US funding to Australian researchers, international students, research and development, skilled workers, South Australian universities

20 March 2025

TOPICS: US funding to Australian researchers, The Australian National University, research and development

Wednesday, 5 March 2025 | Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy

Racism has absolutely no place in Australia’s universities, and our sector condemns it in all forms.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy

26 February 2025 | Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy

TOPICS: Future skills and workforce, research funding, international students

TOPICS: Future skills, international students, domestic students, Job Ready Graduates

Australian households could be $20,000 better off if Australia meets its future skills targets.

A breakthrough that protects Australia’s crops and saves the economy over $600 million a year is among the winners of the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards, announced last night by Universities Australia.

A coffee-powered breakthrough that strengthens concrete and reduces the cement industry’s global CO₂ emissions is among the winners of the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards, unveiled last night by Universities Australia.

Universities Australia welcomes Professor Mary O’Kane AC’s appointment as interim Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

Published in The Australian (25 February 2025)

A world authority on Indigenous education who has worked across nine tertiary institutions and influenced thousands of educators over the course of her 35-year career is one of the recipients of the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) announced tonight.

Universities Australia welcomes Jobs and Skills Australia’s new report, Opportunity and Productivity: Towards a Tertiary Harmonisation Roadmap.

The following statement is in response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ final report of its inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities.

Universities Australia is urging both sides of politics to put research and development at the centre of their productivity agenda at the next election.

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s push to make it easier for Australians with a HELP debt to buy a home.

Australia’s universities congratulate Professor Tony Haymet as Australia’s new Chief Scientist and are eager to work closely with him to drive our productivity and economic growth.

Universities Australia has been appointed to the Government’s Expert Council on University Governance.  

Australians pursuing a PhD face crippling financial stress, risking the nation’s future workforce and economic growth, according to a new report released today by Universities Australia and the Australian Council of Graduate Research.

Published in The PIE News (30 December 2024)

The Albanese Government’s decision to revoke Ministerial Direction 107 acknowledges the severe financial pain, damage and uncertainty it has caused universities and the economy.

Universities Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s 2024–25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook as a positive step towards building a fairer, more sustainable higher education system.

Universities Australia (UA) is urging both major parties to be bold and ambitious in their vision and support for Australia’s universities as the next federal election looms.

The Albanese Government’s efforts to cut the number of international students studying in Australia are hurting the economy.

The Albanese Government’s strategic examination of Australia’s research and development system is a welcome step, but it shouldn’t delay immediate action.

Ms Fiona Nash’s reappointment as Australia’s Regional Education Commissioner is a major boost for the regions and everyone who calls them home.

28 November 2024

28 November 2024

29 November 2024

The Universities Accord (National Student Ombudsman) Bill 2024 is an important step towards ensuring university students are fully supported throughout their studies.

The Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 will deliver much-needed financial relief for Australia’s university students and graduates.

Published in The Australian Research magazine (26 November 2024)

TOPICS: International student caps, international students, Ministerial Direction 107, Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024

TOPICS: International student caps, international students, migration, Ministerial Direction 107, Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024

Early career researchers from twenty Australian universities will partner with their German counterparts next year to tackle some of the major challenges facing the globe.

TOPICS: Ministerial Direction 107, International education, international student caps, housing, Charles Darwin University

TOPICS: Ministerial Direction 107, Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

UA Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy

The Albanese Government must immediately act to remove Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107) to deliver the certainty, stability and growth necessary to sustain Australia’s universities and which has been promised to them.

TOPICS: Ministerial Direction 107, international student caps, international education

TOPICS: International education, international student caps, university job cuts, HECS, Shaping Australia Awards

TOPICS: International education, international student caps, university job cuts

Universities Australia supports the Albanese Government’s further changes to make student loan repayments fairer, bringing much-needed cost-of-living relief for young Australians.

31 October 2024

Universities Australia congratulates the Albanese Government for the delivery of Australia’s first Centre for Disease Control.

The Albanese Government is continuing to hold Australia’s universities to ransom under Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107) while damaging the nation’s economy.

TOPICS: International education, international student caps, Ministerial Direction 107

Published in The Australian (16 October 2024)

TOPICS: Ministerial Direction 107, international student caps

The Albanese Government’s unwillingness to lift Ministerial Direction 107 for at least another 38 days could cost the economy a further $722 million and inflict more pain on Australia’s universities.

All Australians are invited to vote in the Universities Australia 2024 Shaping Australia Awards, celebrating outstanding university projects that are changing lives and shaping the nation’s future.

24 September 2024

20 September 2024

Australia’s free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates will help unlock significant opportunities for Australia.

Wednesday, 11 September 2024

Legislation to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman is an important step toward ensuring current and future university students are fully supported while they study.

11 September 2024 | Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd

TOPICS: International education, international student caps, migration, housing

The Albanese Government’s move to slow student visa processing under Ministerial Direction 107 continues to hurt the economy.

TOPICS: International education, international student caps

TOPICS: International education, international student caps, migration

TOPICS: International education, international student caps

TOPICS: International education, international student caps 

The Albanese Government’s proposed National Planning Level for international student commencements will apply a handbrake to Australia’s second biggest export industry.

Universities Australia is calling on the Albanese Government to revoke Ministerial Direction 107 in light of the significant effect it continues to have across the university sector.

The Albanese Government’s National Science Statement and Research Priorities are important frameworks to drive Australia’s industrial transformation through new knowledge and ideas.

TOPICS: Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

TOPICS: Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

TOPICS: Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

TOPICS: Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

TOPICS: Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, international education, international student caps, migration, housing

UA Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Senate Inquiry ESOS (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

Universities Australia congratulates the Hon Andrew Giles MP on his appointment as Minister for Skills and Training.

Australia’s universities have a key role in supporting the Government to deliver a Future Made in Australia, with skills and research central to its success.

UA is now accepting entries for the 2024 Shaping Australia Awards from university teams and individuals driving impactful solutions to the country’s biggest challenges and making a difference to the lives of all Australians.

Universities Australia welcomes the newly appointed independent Australian Research Council Board.

Consultation with universities will be key to ensuring the Australian Tertiary Education Commission and a new funding system can properly and adequately support a growing higher education sector and deliver on the objectives of the Australian Universities Accord.

TOPICS: International education and housing

TOPICS: International education and housing

5 June 2024

Professor Zlatko Skrbis, Vice-Chancellor and President of Australian Catholic University, has been appointed to the Universities Australia Board for a two-year term, commencing today.

Australian university graduates are earning more and securing jobs faster with record employment levels within six months of graduation, according to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Tuesday 21 May 2025

TOPICS: 2024-25 Federal Budget and international students

The establishment of the Government’s Implementation Advisory Committee to help design and implement the Australian Universities Accord recommendations is crucial to ensuring universities are funded and supported to deliver on the expansive reforms needed to support Australia’s future.

TOPICS: 2024-25 Federal Budget, international students, student protests

The Albanese Government’s $3.8 billion downpayment on the Australian Universities Accord through the 2024-25 Budget recognises the importance of university graduates and research to Australia’s future.

Universities Australia notes the Albanese Government’s intention to manage growth in the international education sector under new legislation to be introduced to Parliament next week.

TOPICS: HECS debt indexation, paid work placements and student protests

Payments for students undertaking compulsory work placements across teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work disciplines is another important action by the Albanese Government to ease financial pressures facing Australians.

Universities Australia supports the Albanese Government’s move to make HELP repayments simpler and fairer for more than three million Australians as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

Universities Australia welcomes Dr Mary Russell’s permanent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s significant investment in a new National Health and Medical Research Strategy to boost our research workforce and improve the lives of Australians.

Published in The Australian (29 April 2024)

Universities Australia acknowledges the outcomes of yesterday’s Education Ministers Meeting.

The Albanese Government’s consideration of changes to make HELP repayments simpler and fairer is welcome in light of today’s increase in the Consumer Price Index.

The Albanese Government’s 2024 National Defence Strategy recognises the need for a highly skilled workforce and research to meet Australia’s defence and strategic needs.

Universities will play a major role in powering the development and growth of new industries, technologies and jobs under a legislated Future Made in Australia Act.

The Albanese Government’s focus on establishing more Regional University Study Hubs across Australia will help open the door to a university education for more Australians.

Universities Australia welcomes the passage of legislation to strengthen the Australian Research Council.

Thursday 21 March 2024

Universities Australia, in partnership with Suicide Prevention Australia, today released a new e-learning tool to help university staff and students build the skills they need to help prevent suicide.

Universities Australia has launched a new communications campaign to build broader and deeper community support for the amazing work universities do for the country.

Published in The Australian (13 March 2024)

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s recognition of the role education will continue to play in supporting a stable and prosperous Southeast Asian region into the future.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy will this week join senior business leaders at the CEO Forum as part of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

UA is today bringing together senior government officials from AUKUS partner countries to drive deeper collaboration to support the delivery of the AUKUS initiative.

Address to the Universities Australia Solutions Summit, 28 February 2024

Fireproof paint to protect homes from bushfires, improving beach accessibility for people with a disability, and programs to build pipelines of teachers are some of the winning initiatives selected in the 2023 Shaping Australia Awards.

An innovative scholar who has made a distinctive contribution to teaching media theory and practice, a passionate leader renowned for mentoring the next generation of learning and teaching professionals, and a dedicated teacher committed to empowering young Indigenous people to embrace career paths in business are among the recipients of the 2023 Australian Awards for University Teaching.

UA Chair Professor David Lloyd and Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy
Monday, 26 February 2024

Universities Australia acknowledges the extensive work undertaken by the expert panel, along with universities, TAFE and industry, to deliver the Australian Universities Accord final report.

UA welcomes the decision by Education Ministers to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman to better support current and future university students.

Published in The Australian (21 February 2024)

Universities Australia warmly welcomes the appointment of Professor Barney Glover AO, a former UA Chair, as the new Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia.

Universities Australia has called on the Albanese Government to match its $493 million funding commitment for 180,000 fee-free TAFE places to provide some fee-free university places for disadvantaged students in areas of skills need to drive enrolments and future economic growth

Published in The Australian (22 December 2023)

Any changes to Australia’s international education policy settings must have an eye firmly on maintaining our global reputation, economic prosperity and social progress, according to a new report that emphasises the importance of international education to our future.

The Universities Australia Board has appointed Mr Luke Sheehy as the peak body’s new Chief Executive for a five-year term, commencing 7 February 2024.

Universities Australia welcomes the second round of funding for microcredentials to help Australians upskill and reskill to help meet Australia’s skills needs in priority areas.

The Albanese Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook reinforces the importance of universities to the economy and Australia’s prosperity.

TOPICS: Migration review, international students

TOPICS: Migration review, international students

Topics: New migration strategy

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the Albanese Government’s migration strategy.

On behalf of the sector, we are sad to see the news of Judi Zielke’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Education added a further $12.1 billion to the economy in the September quarter as it continued its strong performance despite challenging conditions affecting other key export markets.

Universities Australia welcomes the allocation of additional Commonwealth supported places to support universities to educate more doctors in regional and rural Australia.

Universities Australia notes the introduction of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023.

Universities Australia welcomes the introduction of legislation to bring forward necessary reforms to the Australian Research Council.

Today the Australian community is invited to vote for their favourite university initiative in Universities Australia’s inaugural Shaping Australia Awards.

Universities Australia welcomes the allocation of additional Commonwealth supported places to support the delivery of the AUKUS submarine program.

Australia’s universities have a crucial role to play in helping the Albanese Government achieve its aim of making Australia the most cyber secure nation by 2030.

Universities Australia welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the development of new initiatives to support the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on university campuses.

Today Universities Australia, with the support of the University Chancellors Council, released a Charter on sexual harm to support the ongoing work universities and other organisations in the community do to address sexual harm.

Published in The Australian (15 November 2023)

University researchers from Australia and Germany will team up to tackle major global challenges in the latest round of the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s Statement of Expectations for the Productivity Commission.

Australia’s universities are ready to engage with government and industry to grow and sustain our defence industry workforce to build our sovereign capability and prepare Australia for the future.

Universities Australia welcomes further solid progress to strengthen the education and research links at the heart of Australia and India’s bilateral relationship.

“China is a very important partner for Australia, and we welcome the positive outcomes from Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Beijing,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Published in The Australian (8 November 2023)

Higher education and research are at the centre of the Australia-India relationship, according to new research by the Australia India Institute.

Universities Australia supports the government’s $160 million scholarship initiative to encourage more people to become teachers.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson will join Education Minister Jason Clare and a delegation of Australian higher education leaders in India and Indonesia this week to promote the central role of education to both bilateral relationships.

Published in The Australian (1 November 2023)

The Australian Universities Accord is the Albanese Government’s opportunity to reverse a decade of poor policy decisions that are holding universities and the nation back.

Universities Australia supports the government’s new national campaign to encourage more Australians to become a teacher.

Thursday, 26 October 2023 | Beijing, China

Australia’s universities are central to the delivery of the new Australia-United States innovation alliance announced today by Prime Minister Albanese and President Biden.

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 | Sydney, Australia

Universities Australia supports the opportunities that will be offered to Australians through the government’s Universities Accord legislation passed today in the Senate.

Thursday, 19 October 2023 | Virtual

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson has today advised of her intention to resign, effective 22 December 2023.

Universities Australia supports the Albanese Government’s commitment to a national skills agreement with the states and territories to address the nation’s critical skills needs.

Australia’s new migration strategy must do more to harness the skills and talents of international students, as growing numbers of them continue to choose Australia as their study destination.

The government’s annual skills shortage analysis underscores the importance of universities to addressing the crisis plaguing Australia’s labour market and weighing down our economy.

Universities Australia has appointed Renee Hindmarsh as its new Deputy Chief Executive, effective 25 October 2023.

Published as a letter to the editor in The Australian (4 October 2023)

Jobs and Skills Australia’s ‘The Clean Energy Generation: Workforce needs for a net zero economy’ report confirms the central role of universities and vocational education in guiding Australia’s energy transition.

Universities Australia welcomes further actions announced today by the Albanese Government to protect and strengthen the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.

Universities Australia welcomes the government’s steps to broaden access to higher education with the opening of applications for new study hubs across the nation.

Australia’s universities are continuing to perform strongly on the world stage, with six institutions ranked in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2024.

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s Employment White Paper.

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s plan to progress a national skills passport.

Universities Australia has launched the Shaping Australia Awards – a new program to celebrate the significant contribution universities and the people within them make to the nation.

Universities Australia’s response to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee’s report into current and proposed sexual consent laws in Australia.

Demand for university-educated workers across the economy continues to grow, according to Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest Labour Market Update.

More than double the number of international students arrived in Australia this July when compared to the same time last year – fuelling the nation’s economic prosperity and growth.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson’s opening statement at the Education and Employment Legislation Committee hearing into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response To The Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023.

Using a predicted Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or school results, universities will assess a student’s application for a particular course against a range of criteria.

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the draft national science and research priorities.

Universities Australia is calling on the Albanese Government to establish more flexible funding arrangements to enable universities to continue delivering for the nation in the coming decades.

Education remains on track to surpass the record export earnings it generated prior to the pandemic after adding $10.8 billion to Australia’s export revenue in the June quarter.

Universities Australia welcomes the opening of applications for additional Commonwealth supported places to support the skills requirements of the AUKUS program.

Universities Australia welcomes measures announced today by the Albanese Government to protect and strengthen the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.

New data confirms Australia’s investment in research and development is going backwards, falling from 1.8 per cent of gross domestic product in 2019-20 to 1.68 per cent in 2021-22.

The 2023 Intergenerational Report confirms the central role universities will play in helping Australia navigate a changing economic landscape over the coming decades.

Universities Australia welcomes the government’s response to the review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001.

University, vocational education and industry representatives met in Canberra today to discuss our shared role in delivering the skilled workers the nation needs.

Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd
Wednesday, 8 August 2023

Attributable to Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd:

Julie Hare from The Australian Financial Review has won the Journalist of the Year award, while Nicky Phillips from Nature News has been recognised for excellence in university research reporting.

Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd | Wednesday, 9 August 2023

Universities Australia welcomes the appointment of Ms Patty Kinnersly as the expert adviser to the working group advising government on ways to strengthen university governance.

Universities Australia welcomes the introduction of legislation that will support universities to do their job for the nation.

Universities Australia congratulates Mr Chris Barrett on his appointment as Chair of the Productivity Commission.

Melbourne, Australia | Universities Australia Chair Professor David Lloyd

Topics: The Australian Universities Accord interim report

Topics: Sector response to the Australian Universities Accord interim report

Wednesday, 19 July 2023

Topics: Australian Universities Accord interim report

Australia’s universities welcome the release of the Australian Universities Accord interim report.

Universities Australia welcomes the government’s move to improve access to university through the creation of more study hubs across the nation.

Published in The Australian Financial Review (17 July, 2023)

More than 43,000 international students arrived in May, reinforcing the strength of education as a critical export to Australia’s economic growth and prosperity.

“The challenges facing Australia right now are greater than ever, which is why we need to get the funding settings for our universities right,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Published as a letter to the editor in The Australian Financial Review (7 July 2023)

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel.

Universities Australia welcomes additional university places and funding for new training facilities to boost the supply of doctors practicing in regional and rural areas.

Australia’s universities are calling on the Albanese Government to remove barriers to university participation by uncapping places for all Indigenous Australians, regardless of their postcode.

Australia’s universities continue to shine on the global stage, with three institutions featuring for the first time in the top 20 of the QS World University Rankings.

Student satisfaction with the quality of their university experience is up across all major indicators according to the latest Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching surveys.

The passage of legislation to establish the government’s Startup Year program locks in support for the next generation of skilled entrepreneurs to drive our economic growth.

Keynote Address, Symbiosis International University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson will travel to India this week to deliver the keynote address at the 2023 Universities20 Conference alongside Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Australia continues to benefit from the arrival of new and returning international students, spurring economic growth and driving ongoing COVID-19 recovery.

Entries are now open for the 2023 Universities Australia Higher Education Media Awards.

Universities welcome the allocation of funding under the first round of the Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education program to support the nation’s skills needs.

International education is surging back to pre-pandemic levels, adding a new high of $11.1 billion to the economy in the March quarter.

Australia’s world-class universities are continuing to make their mark on the global stage in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

Topics: HECS-HELP loans, Investiture of James Cook University’s sixth Chancellor Professor Ngiare Brown

University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd was confirmed as the new Chair of Universities Australia at today’s Annual General Meeting.

Universities are continuing to play a central role in ensuring Australia’s economy has the skilled workers it needs to grow and prosper.

Australia’s universities welcome the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement and the new economic opportunities it will create.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Universities Australia welcomes the opportunity to represent the higher education sector on the Advisory Board for the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

Universities welcome the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce instances of academic cheating services with another 100 websites blocked.

Australia is continuing to reap the rewards of a strong recovery in international student arrivals.

“The budget strikes a balance between cost-of-living relief and fiscal repair,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Topics: Job-ready Graduates package, HECS-HELP loans, international students, 2023-24 Federal Budget

University of South Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd has been nominated to serve as the next Chair of Universities Australia.

Government must work directly with universities in establishing the Australian Submarine Agency to ensure the smooth and successful delivery of Australia’s nuclear submarine program.

Keynote Address, Australian Higher Education Industrial Association Conference 2023.

Universities would welcome the opportunity to have further discussions with government around ways to boost the nursing workforce to improve access to primary care, as agreed today by National Cabinet.

The number of international students beginning university in Australia is up by almost 50 per cent compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universities welcome moves to build a more nimble and flexible migration system that works in Australia’s interest and supports our future economic growth and prosperity.

University graduates repaying student loans won’t face higher repayments following today’s increase to the Consumer Price Index.

Australia’s universities stand ready to work with government and industry to deliver the skilled workers and research needed to boost our defence capability and keep the nation safe and secure.

Universities Australia backs the reform agenda presented to government today by the expert panel tasked with reviewing the Australian Research Council Act.

A week-long visit to Washington, D.C. has cemented the role Australia’s universities will play in delivering AUKUS, and responding to challenges and opportunities alongside global peers.

Topics: Visit to Washington D.C., AUKUS, skill shortages

Australia is continuing to benefit from a steady flow of international students coming to our shores.

University students, like everyone, face pressures. In dealing with their stress, some students turn to a practice called ‘contract cheating’, which is when a student outsources their work, or contracts it out, to a third party

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking of students completing year 12, relative to other students in the same year.

HECS-HELP loans are interest free, and repayments are not affected by inflation.

Published in The Australian (12 April 2023)

Topics: Visit to Washington D.C., AUKUS, skill shortages, Universities Accord, higher education review, Job-ready Graduates package

Topics: Universities Accord, higher education review, Job-ready Graduates package, visit to Washington D.C., AUKUS

Universities Australia has outlined new ways to strengthen Australia’s world-class universities for the ongoing benefit of the nation and all Australians.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson will this week meet with key stakeholders in Washington, D.C. to discuss how Australia’s universities can support the delivery of AUKUS.

University graduates are continuing to provide the knowledge and skills Australia’s workforce needs to drive the nation’s progress and economic growth.

Increasing numbers of international students are driving Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universities will be a driving force in Australia’s renewed manufacturing push, as part of the National Reconstruction Fund.

Topics: HELP debts, cost-of-living pressures on students

Topics: AUKUS, role of universities in delivering skilled workers

Topics: AUKUS announcement, the role of Australia’s universities in delivering the highly educated people needed to deliver the plan, international students

International students are continuing to return at a healthy rate, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.

Topics: AUKUS announcement, the role of Australia’s universities in delivering the highly educated people needed to deliver the plan

Australia’s universities will play a major part in skilling the workforce needed to deliver the nation’s nuclear submarine plan in partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Universities Australia strongly welcomes the Albanese Government’s focus on strengthening Australia and India’s economic and cultural ties, with education playing a leading role.

Universities welcome the introduction of legislation to establish the government’s Startup Year program, bringing much-needed financial support for university entrepreneurs a step closer.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Wednesday 8 March 2023

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson will this week join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on a visit to India to build on the strong economic partnership between the two countries.

Australia’s universities fully support the Albanese Government’s agreement with India to introduce new rules for mutually recognising university qualifications in both our countries.

Universities Australia has today renewed its formal partnership with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to strengthen the strong education and research ties our countries have.

International education is powering Australia’s economy as the sector continues its steady post-Covid recovery, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.

Attributable to Universities Australia Chair Professor John Dewar AO: 

A teacher whose unique and personal approach to teaching has helped students excel at mathematics and an internationally renowned researcher with four decades’ experience in higher education have claimed the major accolades in the 2022 Australian Awards for University Teaching.

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the discussion paper to guide the development of the Australian Universities Accord.

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

National Convention Centre Canberra – Wednesday, 22 February 2022

Universities strongly support the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the post-study work rights of international students to help address critical skill shortages and drive economic growth.

Universities Australia welcomes the forthcoming referendum to establish a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution based on the principle of providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with a stronger say on legislation and policy that impact Indigenous communities and quality of life.

New data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Australia’s post-pandemic recovery in the international student market continues to gain momentum.

Universities welcome the government’s response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s (PJCIS) report on foreign interference risks to Australia’s higher education and research sector.

Employment prospects for university graduates are stronger than ever according to the latest Graduate and International Graduate Outcomes Surveys released today.

Universities congratulate Senator Sarah Henderson on her appointment as Shadow Minister for Education.

Published in The Australian (8 February 2023)

Universities Australia welcomes the Prime Minister’s appointment of Mr Tony Cook PSM as the Secretary of the Department of Education, beginning in April.

Recording date: Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Recording date: Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Recording date: Monday, 30 January 2023
Topics – Return of Chinese students to Australia’s universities

Attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson:

Universities fully support Australia’s endorsement of an international agreement that ensures educational qualifications granted in Australia are recognised globally.

Attributable to Universities Australia acting chief executive Peter Chesworth:

Recording date: Tuesday, 3 January 2023
Topics: COVID-19 testing requirements for Chinese travellers, international education recovery, migration

Attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson:

Australia’s new free trade agreement with India will unlock deeper economic and social benefits, turbocharging our relationship and spurring the growth and development of both nations.

Monday 19 December 2022

Published in The Australian Financial Review (19 December, 2022)

Universities Australia has outlined ways to streamline Australia’s visa system to boost the migration of more students and workers who can help build Australia’s future.

The release of the national teacher workforce plan is a timely and much-needed boost for current and aspiring teachers heading into 2023, says Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson.

Universities Australia welcomes the opportunity to represent the sector on the Council for International Education to help shape the recovery, growth and success of such a critical part of Australia’s cultural and economic fabric.

Universities Australia has reinforced the critical importance of a modern, fit-for-purpose research system in a submission today to the independent review of the Australian Research Council Act.

Universities Australia welcomes the opportunity to work closely with government as well as sector and industry groups and representatives as part of the Universities Accord ministerial reference group.

Data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms that despite significant numbers of international students returning to Australia since borders opened, arrivals this October are more than 40 per cent lower than pre-COVID levels in 2019.

Universities Australia welcomes the appointment of Professor Peter Dawkins AO to the role of Interim Director of Jobs and Skills Australia.

Universities welcome changes to the Australian Research Council’s National Interest Test that return to a system of assessment on merit and peer review.

The new trade agreement with India will give Australian exporters greater access to one of the world’s largest economies, deliver significant economic benefits and strengthen education and research ties for the benefit of both nations, Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said. 

Free trade agreements with India and the United Kingdom are a step closer following the passage of implementing legislation through parliament this week.

Universities are ready and willing to partner with government through the Universities Accord process to help decide the future direction of higher education in Australia and set our nation up for success.

Published in The Australian (November 15, 2022)

Attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson:

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the consultation paper for the review of the Australian Research Council Act.

Universities Australia welcomes moves by the Albanese Government to provide greater financial support to university students under legislation introduced to parliament today, including:

Universities Australia welcomes the launch of the government’s pilot program to support the development of microcredentials and those who wish to study them.

World-class university researchers from Australia and Germany will collaborate in areas including artificial intelligence, clean energy and health under projects funded this year by the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

Tuesday 8 November 2022

Tuesday 8 November 2022

Tuesday 8 November 2022

Catriona Jackson, Universities Australia chief executive

Universities Australia has outlined how universities can work with Defence to increase the flow of skilled workers desperately needed to boost capability and keep our nation safe and secure.

Universities Australia welcomes the release of the draft national teacher workforce action plan.

Universities Australia welcomes amendments to the Jobs and Skills Australia Bill that recognise the vital role universities play in producing the skilled workers Australia needs to grow and prosper.

Attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson:

Keynote address, Australian Council of Deans of Science,
2022 Annual General Meeting and Conference

Universities Australia welcomes the allocation of the additional 20,000 university places to tackle skill shortages and give more people from under-represented backgrounds the chance to go to university.

Australia’s world-class universities continue to flourish on the global stage, propelling Oceania to the highest overall average score of all the regions in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, overtaking North America for the first time.

Universities Australia is calling on the Albanese Government to lift the cap on Indigenous students studying at universities everywhere, not just in regional areas.

Universities are producing the skilled workers the Australian economy needs, with new government data showing graduates are finding work faster and earning more than they were 12 months ago.

Universities will continue to be relied on heavily to educate the skilled workers Australia’s economy needs to grow and thrive, the National Skills Commission’s annual Skills Priority List has confirmed.

Universities Australia welcomes the Productivity Commission’s findings that the tertiary education system’s policy settings need a rethink to ensure Australia can adapt to growing and changing education and skills needs.

Universities Australia looks forward to engaging with the Government to help establish its Startup Year program and support the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

Topics: Australia’s education relationship with India

Universities Australia welcomes the Government’s decision to update Australia’s science and research priorities.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson will join a delegation of industry leaders on a visit to India this week to strengthen and increase trade and investment links between our nations.

Universities Australia welcomes the Government’s announcement of an expert panel to look at teacher education.

Australia’s world-class universities are key to ensuring our nation meets its new climate targets, following the passage of the Government’s Climate Change Bill 2022 through the Senate.

The Government’s decision to increase post-study work rights for international students is a much-needed measure to address Australia’s critical skills shortage and grow our economy.

Recording date: Friday, 2 September 2022
Topics: Skills shortages, skilled migration, visa processing, international students

Recording date: Friday, 2 September 2022
Topics: Jobs and Skills Summit, skilled migration, additional TAFE places

Statement attributable to Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson:

Universities Australia welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement of additional, free TAFE places to ensure the workforce has the skilled people it needs.

Topics: Jobs and Skills Summit, international students, visa processing

Universities Australia has today called for an expansion of clinical placements available to students studying health-related degrees to maintain and grow Australia’s health workforce.

Universities Australia welcomes major announcements at today’s Australian Financial Review Higher Education Summit from Education Minister Jason Clare that will bolster Australia’s research and innovation system.

Universities Australia welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to provide free university and specialist training for thousands of nurses and midwives.

Topics: Skills shortages, visa processing, international students

University students have reported an overall increase in their satisfaction with the quality of their learning experience, according to the findings of the latest Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching surveys released today.  

Topics: Skills shortages, visa processing

Topics: Skills shortages, skilled migration, international students

Universities Australia welcomes the arrival of India’s Minister of Education, the Honourable Dharmendra Pradhan as he embarks on a four-day visit of Australia.

Universities Australia today outlined how universities can help address the country’s critical skills shortage.

Universities Australia welcomes the Government’s allocation of 20,000 additional university places to tackle skill shortages and give more people from under-represented backgrounds the chance to go to university.

Vancouver, BC – Mitacs and Universities Australia are proud to announce that they have signed a renewed agreement, allowing for expanded research collaborations and mobility opportunities between the two countries.

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that an onshore vaccine manufacturing hub will be created at Monash University is critical to advancing Australia’s response to future health outbreaks and strengthening our sovereign capability.

Universities Australia welcomes the development of a national action plan to deliver long-term solutions to address Australia’s teachers’ shortage.

Topic: National teacher shortage

Topics: National teachers’ shortage

As the country faces a teachers’ shortage, Universities Australia has prepared a range of practical solutions to attract and retain the best and brightest.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said:

“We applaud the action taken by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency to block access to 40 of the most visited academic cheating websites.

Australia’s universities are playing leading roles in responding to Indonesia’s foot-and-mouth outbreak – supporting our neighbours and helping stop the spread of the disease.

Universities Australia welcomes the Productivity Commission’s interim report released today that places universities at the centre of dealing with the nation’s productivity problem.

Universities Australia welcomes the creation of Jobs and Skills Australia to support a highly-skilled workforce and strong economy.

Universities Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s commitment to addressing visa processing delays as a crucial step in meeting the needs of a productive economy.

Topics: Universities Australia Conference, skills shortages, international education reputation, visa processing, policy priorities

Universities Australia welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement today that a jobs and skills summit will be held this September.  

*CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*

Thank you to the National Press Club for hosting Australia’s universities today.

An innovative way to communicate underwater, research into the benefit of robots in children’s learning and a sustainable way to make steel have been named the winners of Universities Australia’s annual research awards.

Topics: Latest census data, skills shortages, sector priorities

“The New South Wales and Victorian Governments’ early education commitment today is an important step towards giving kids the best start possible and supporting working families,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Universities Australia today called for ordinary Australians to have their say and vote for their choice in the People’s Choice Pitch it clever awards.

Universities Australia, in partnership with the National Press Club of Australia, has today called for entries for the Higher Education Media Awards.

Universities Australia congratulates Jason Clare on his appointment as Minister for Education, chief executive Catriona Jackson said.

Universities Australia congratulates the Hon Peter Dutton on his election as Liberal leader, and the Hon David Littleproud as Nationals leader chief executive Catriona Jackson said.

Universities Australia congratulates Professor Glyn Davis AC on his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, chief executive Catriona Jackson said.

Universities Australia congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on last night’s result.

Topics: HELP Loan, importance of university education

Universities Australia’s annual Pitch it clever competition is now open for early-career researchers to share their brightest ideas with the nation.

Data released today confirms the critical role universities play in ensuring Australia continues to benefit from our world class research system.

By Universities Australia Chair Professor John Dewar

Topics: universities’ contribution to national productivity; meeting the demand for university places in the future

Topics: universities’ contribution to national productivity; meeting the demand for university places in the future

Australia’s economy could be $24 billion bigger over 10 years if investment in higher education research and development was lifted by just one per cent, according to Universities Australia’s submission to the Productivity Commission.

“UA congratulates Ms Judi Zielke PSM on her appointment today as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council,” said Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Catriona Jackson.

“We welcome the release today of the National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which acknowledges the centrality of research to Australia’s future prosperity,” Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Universities Australia welcomes the signing of a historic trade deal between India and Australia as a significant step forward in fostering stronger relations with one of our nation’s largest export markets as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Universities Australia have united with the University Chancellors Council today to release the UA policy platform, setting out a path for the university sector to play its fullest role in helping solve the nation’s biggest challenges and secure Australia’s future.

The Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill which passed in Parliament today will boost the security and resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure.

Universities Australia notes the recommendations released today by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) in response to the threat of foreign interference in Australia’s universities.

Attributable to Universities Australia’s Chair Professor John Dewar AO.

Universities Australia has welcomed the establishment of a special taskforce on qualifications recognition between Australia and India as further proof of the strength of the bilateral education relationship between the two countries.

Opening statement by Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson to the PJCIS Review of the Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Bill 2022.

Universities Australia’s Plenary – representing the nation’s 39 comprehensive universities – agreed on the following statement to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee on the Australian Research Council Amendment (Ensuring Research Independence) Bill 2018.

Universities Australia is proud to launch its second whole-of-sector strategy to strengthen the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s universities.

Topics covered: Research funding priorities, safe return to campus, freedom of speech and academic freedom, gender equity, student safety, and the upcoming federal election
Date recorded: 22 February 2022

Today’s release of the Next Steps: Report of the Quality Initial Teacher Education review recognises the vital role the university sector plays in equipping teachers with the high-quality skills they will need to ensure students receive the tools to meet the challenges of the future.

Universities Australia is proud to celebrate the work of some of the nation’s best university educators in the 2021 Australian Awards for University Teaching.

Universities will be better equipped to intervene early to help prevent the devastating impact of suicide in their communities thanks to a framework released today by Universities Australia and Suicide Prevention Australia.

Universities Australia warmly welcomes the safe return of students from home and abroad onto campuses across the country as we prepare for the beginning of semester one.

The Government has today recognised the central role that universities and university research plays in Australia’s prosperity and recovery, with the Prime Minister’s announcement of an extra $1.6 billion to advance research commercialisation.

Australian employers have recorded their highest ever levels of satisfaction with the skills of university graduates and their ability to make an immediate impact in the workplace, latest official data finds.

Universities Australia welcomes the Government’s announcement of visa fee rebates for international students arriving into Australia from today for the next eight weeks.

Universities Australia notes the measures reaffirmed in today’s release of the 2021-22 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook that relate to the higher education sector.

Read our statement here.

International students will touch down in Australia from today, marking a significant milestone for those returning and their universities.

Universities Australia has welcomed recommendations aimed at building on partnerships between industry and the higher education sector, following today’s release of the University-Industry Collaboration in Teaching and Learning Review.

Universities Australia welcomes the focus on skills and participation in today’s ALP tertiary education policy announcement.

Universities Australia has acknowledged the release of the Federal Government’s 10-year whole-of-sector international education strategy as a step towards recovery.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson today welcomed the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Universities Initiative which will invest $242.7 million in collaborative research.

Universities Australia has welcomed today’s Federal Government announcement that international students and other eligible visa holders will be able to return to Australia from 1 December without applying for a travel exemption.

Universities Australia welcomes the first Singaporean passengers, including international students, who arrived in Australia earlier today as part of a two-way travel bubble between the two countries.

Universities Australia today welcomed the publication of revised guidelines designed to secure universities from foreign interference and maintain the openness that is essential to a robust university and research system.

International collaboration on digital health solutions, combatting superbug infections, and sustainable recycling are among projects funded this year by the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme – an initiative of Universities Australia and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

University graduates continue to thrive in a challenging job market, according to a new analysis released today by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE).

Universities Australia welcomes the appointment of Jenny Clark as the peak body’s new Executive Director, Strategic Communications.

An electric Kombi conversion, a university giving day and COVID-19 communications are among the work recognised today as part of the Universities Australia Marketing, Communications and Development (UAMCD) Awards.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson today welcomed the pilot plan for the safe return of international students to Queensland.

Prompting thoughtful and timely conversations and connecting university staff and students with the mental health support they need is at the centre of a new initiative launched today by Universities Australia in partnership with headspace.

After an extensive search Universities Australia has appointed senior public servant Peter Chesworth as its new Deputy Chief Executive. He will succeed Anne-Marie Lansdown, who retires in November.

Short-term graduate employment rates have stabilised, and median salaries are on the rise despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest national report on graduate outcomes.

Universities Australia today welcomed the news that overseas vaccines from China and India would be recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and news from the Prime Minister that international borders may open in November.

Universities Australia today released new guidance to improve the portability of microcredentials, paving the way for Australians to flexibly learn new skills over the course of their lives and careers.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson today welcomed the announcement that New South Wales will begin to safely return offshore international students to Australian universities this December.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, the graduate employment market remains strong with 88.9 per cent of graduates in full-time work three years after completing their studies.

The 2021 National Student Safety Survey deploys today across Australian universities as a crucial step in preventing sexual violence and supporting those who have experienced it in their communities.

Universities Australia has urged the Government to move swiftly to implement its proposed reforms to the ‘Copyright Act 1968’, announced a year ago today by Communications Minister Paul Fletcher.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson welcomed the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s ‘Inquiry into Australia’s Skilled Migration Program’ which was handed down on Monday.

International students studying at Australian universities rate their experience living in the country at record high levels, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month Josh Frydenberg released the  2021 Intergenerational report (IGR). A legacy of former Treasurer Peter Costello, the five-yearly IGR analyses “the long-term sustainability of current policies and how demographic, technological and other structural trends may affect the economy and the budget over the next 40 years.” In short, what Governments decide now matters well beyond the three-year federal electoral cycle. 

Universities Australia has condemned all forms of coercion, on campus, or in the classroom, or elsewhere in the community following the release by Human Rights Watch of a new report alleging coercion of students and staff.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said:

The next generation of batteries and bionic hearing are the two winners of a major research communications competition.

Thursday will see the first major meeting of the university sector and its leadership since COVID-19 closed Australia’s international borders and upended the lives of staff, students and their communities.

The first major gathering of the university sector and its leadership since COVID-19 closed Australia’s international borders and upended the lives of students and staff begins today.

Today’s Annual General Meeting of Universities Australia has confirmed the appointment of La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO as the Chair of Universities Australia.

Federal Government Budget assumptions that Australia’s borders will remain shut until mid-2022 pose very serious challenges for the nation’s universities.

Australian universities have proposed a comprehensive package of initiatives designed to strengthen universities’ role in the nation’s economic success, ahead of next week’s Federal Budget.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO has been elected the next Chair of Universities Australia.

More than 30 years ago, Keith Lurie, an American researcher in the field of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), heard a strange story. One of his patients had suffered an apparent heart attack while at home. The strange part was he was revived by his son using, of all things, a toilet plunger to compress his father’s chest.

Boosting support to make the most of university research will lead to new jobs, products and companies, and support Australia’s economic recovery.

Universities Australia today welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Alan Tudge to begin consultation on a 10-year whole-of-sector international education strategy.

Universities Australia Chair Professor Deborah Terry AO has welcomed the completion of the ‘health check review’ designed to identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of the sector’s peak body.

Catriona Jackson, Chief Executive, Universities Australia.

Graduates have retained their high marks from employers while students have given a thumbs up to their universities for support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Address to the National Press Club by Universities Australia Chair, Professor Deborah Terry.

Our Watch and Universities Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Government, today launch ‘Educating for Equality’, a world-leading holistic model to help universities prevent gendered violence.

University researchers provided expert commentary in 67,000 COVID-19 media stories, showing the scale of the uni-led information blitz during the pandemic.

Universities stand ready to partner with business to turn new ideas and discoveries into money spinners to support Australia’s recovery after COVID-19.

Standards of care for older Australians will improve significantly if the Royal Commission into Aged-Care recommendation to expand student placements in the sector is implemented.

Education Minister Alan Tudge today released the University Research Commercialisation consultation paper seeking feedback from universities, business and the community on how to maximise the social and economic benefits of Australia’s multi-billion-dollar university research sector.

A microbiology Associate Professor who assigns students to harvest microorganisms from their own body and scores their ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to their parents has been named the Australian University Teacher of the Year.

In studies dating back to the 1960s, researchers proved a direct link between uncertainty and stress. And if we didn’t quite believe it then, 2020 had rammed it home.

Australian universities shed at least 17,300 jobs in 2020 and lost an estimated $1.8 billion in revenue compared to 2019, according to figures released today by Universities Australia.

Universities Australia has congratulated Alan Tudge on his appointment as Minister for Education and Youth following the Federal Cabinet reshuffle announced today.

Australia’s 39 comprehensive universities have reiterated the sector’s commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of inquiry following today’s publication of the Walker report.

Universities Australia today welcomed the appointment of Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO as the new Chief Commissioner of the tertiary sector regulator.

Predicting falls among the elderly, making construction materials more durable, and using artificial intelligence to improve literacy programs in schools are among projects funded by the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme this year.

Graduates continue to receive an employment advantage from their university education despite facing a COVID-19 recession and a weakening labour market.

A COVID-19 vaccine fundraiser, a student hardship fund appeal, and a quirky story about turning banana plantation waste into sustainable packaging are among campaigns honoured today as part of the Universities Australia Marketing, Communications and Development (UAMCD) awards.

More Australians than ever before have a university qualification, opening up opportunities for their future success.

The benefits of a university education for Indigenous students and their communities is at the heart of a new campaign to inspire more Indigenous Australians into higher education.

New parliamentary reports have echoed the university sector’s concerns on proposed international agreement laws and highlighted the need for further consultation.

Thank you for inviting us to provide evidence today. I would like to note three things briefly to assist the committee.

The profound role played by universities in Australia’s development is explored in a new book released this week.

Universities Australia CEO Catriona Jackson said:
“We have no objections to the legislation’s objectives of transparency. But Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Bill will not meet this goal.”

The Senate has today passed the Government’s Job-Ready Graduates Bill, following a year of unprecedented challenges for Australia’s universities.

The Government has this evening added $1 billion to the nation’s research effort, allowing universities to secure an important and continuing role in national recovery.

Universities have welcomed the Government’s decision to put an extra $326 million in the Budget for new university places, the equivalent of 12,000 new students in 2021.

A blood test for skin cancer, an early prevention program for people with Huntington’s disease and a web resource for people who, as children, were raised in out-of-home care.

A unique initiative aimed at helping universities respond to a death by suicide has been launched by Universities Australia and headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, supporting university communities to be mentally healthy.

Immediate relief is needed to support Australia’s university research and ensure investment already made in projects and facilities isn’t wasted, Universities Australia has warned in its Pre-Budget Submission to Government.

A university education continues to provide significant advantages in today’s job market with nine in ten university graduates in a full-time job within three years of graduation, the latest official data confirms.

Joint opening statement by Universities Australia, Science & Technology Australia and the Australian Academy of Science to the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Inquiry into identification of leading practices in ensuring evidence-based regulation of farm practices that impact water quality outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said:

Australia’s universities are pleased the Government has heard the sector by making changes to the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020.

Universities Australia Chair Professor Deborah Terry said:

Universities acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression and academic freedom on our campuses and look forward to assisting Professor Sally Walker in her review announced by Education Minister Dan Tehan today.

Universities Australia has welcomed today’s announcement of changes to visa arrangements for existing international students.

Australia’s universities have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to prevent sexual assault and harassment, and welcomed today’s contribution from the sector’s regulator to eradicate sexual violence.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson has welcomed the opportunity for the sector to join two high-level working groups which will advise on Australia’s research capability and enhanced engagement between higher education and industry.

Australia’s universities have welcomed plans to increase domestic student participation in higher education and the commitment to indexation of Government funding, as announced by Education Minister Dan Tehan.

Universities Australia has released an overarching framework designed to help universities with the complex task of resuming face-to-face learning on campuses around the country.

Universities Australia has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a pilot program, beginning as early as next month, aimed at enabling international students to return to Australia.

Universities Australia has welcomed a new phase of the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund under the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

What will the future look like for Australia after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Australia’s universities could lose $16 billion in revenue between now and 2023 according to new modelling by Universities Australia.

Universities today are online communities, as well as physical and intellectual communities. And that raises pressing new safety challenges for all members of university communities, including about 1.4 million students and 260,000 university staff.