ATN calls for ambitious higher education reforms to secure equity and sustainability
30 January 2025
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities) has made its Pre-Budget Submission, urging the Australian Government to build on its higher education reform agenda to promote student equity, financial sustainability, and streamlined regulation in the sector.
ATN Executive Director, Dr Ant Bagshaw, welcomed the Government’s progress towards the ambitions of the Universities Accord and emphasised the need for further action to ensure a fair and well-funded higher education system.
“ATN commends Minister Clare and the Albanese Government for initiating wide-ranging reforms that strengthen access and affordability for students. Commonwealth Prac Payments are a welcome step towards removing financial barriers, but there is more to do to ensure that no student is held back by cost-of-living pressures,” Dr Bagshaw said.
“Our universities stand ready to work with Government to implement key reforms such as the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Managed Growth Funding, and Needs-Based Funding. These initiatives are critical to ensuring a fully-funded and high-quality education system that is fair and sustainable.”
ATN’s submission also highlights the need to harmonise higher education and vocational education further, encourage postgraduate study in critical areas such as health and IT, and reduce unnecessary compliance burdens on universities
“As Australia faces growing workforce demands in essential industries, we must strengthen pathways between vocational and higher education and expand Commonwealth Supported Places in priority fields. By addressing these challenges now, we can equip students with the skills they need while ensuring that universities remain financially sustainable,” Dr Bagshaw said.
ATN looks forward to working with the Government to shape a more accessible and resilient higher education sector.
Media Contact (not for publication)
Ant Bagshaw (Executive Director) m 0414 076 345 e ant@atn.edu.au
