Universities Australia (UA), representing the 39 comprehensive Australian universities, appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the statutory review of the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022 (DAT Act). We acknowledge the Act’s intent to enhance public sector data sharing, aiming to improve government services, inform policy, and support research and development. As significant contributors to national research and innovation efforts, our member universities are keen to engage more fully with the DATA Scheme established under the Act.

Universities Australia (UA) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development Discussion Paper. In addition to responding to the questions posed in the Discussion Paper via the online portal, UA also intends to publish a series of more detailed policy papers for the consideration of the review panel, the parliament and the general public.

Universities Australia (UA) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Discussion Paper – A New Plan for ARC-Funding Research. Our members, Australia’s 39 comprehensive universities, undertake research that adds to Australia’s stock of knowledge, and to Australia’s economic and social wellbeing. They also produce the research workforce which is critical to the future not only of academia but our entire innovation system.