Higher education reform series
Higher education reform series
The governance of Australia's public universities has become a focal point for national debate, driven by concerns around transparency, accountability, and the balance of power within institutions. As universities navigate shifting funding models, heightened public scrutiny, and increasingly complex social expectations, longstanding governance structures will need to be reassessed to ensure they remain fit for purpose. The conversation is ultimately about how to preserve universities' public mission while equipping them to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
Part 1: Senate Inquiry into quality of governance of higher education providers
The interim report of the Senate Inquiry into the governance of higher education made important recommendations to increase representation and transparency of university governance boards, regulate executive remuneration and enhance the powers of TEQSA.
Part 2: Conclusion of Senate Inquiry into Quality of Higher Education Governance
The final report of the Senate Inquiry raises important issues around the proper role of universities, the duties of governing board members, employment compliance issues and interjurisdictional regulation.
Part 3: A structure for culture - Expert Council on university governance principles
The release of the governance principles by the Expert Council on University Governance re-focuses governing board members on their accountability for the culture within Australian universities and will require universities to review and align their existing governance structures.
Part 4: ATEC: a steward for the sector
The establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) as a ‘steward’ for the higher education sector was a central recommendation of the Universities Accord and aims to bring consistency in approach to key governance issues raised in the Accord. An interim ATEC was established in June 2025 and legislation is presently before Parliament to formalise the ATEC. Read more about the purpose, structure and function of the ATEC.
Part 5: Formalisation of ATEC
The passage of the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026 on 29 April 2026 formalised the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), marking a significant structural reform to Australia's higher education system. For higher education providers, understanding the changes introduced through ATEC's establishment will be critical as new policy settings begin to shape funding, student pathways, participation objectives and institutional accountability across the tertiary education sector and this article examines the establishment of ATEC, the key legislative changes made following consultation, and what ATEC's emerging priorities may mean for higher education providers.
Contacts
