The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) has today taken part in the Universities Accord panel hosted by the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) at the Woodward Conference Centre in Melbourne.
ATN Interim Executive Director, Frank Coletta, joined colleagues from across the sector to provide their perspective on the Accord’s 47 recommendations.
Mr Coletta told the forum that many of the directions that the Accord proposes for Australia’s tertiary education sector are consistent with positions ATN has held for some time.
“ATN has, of course, been a long-time champion of universality and the successful delivery of lifelong access to education for all Australians, post-secondary education. We have long argued that this should be achieved through a more closely integrated higher education and vocational education system,” he said.
“Much of what is contained in the final report has elevated the student voice. ATN has also argued that students need additional assistance with living costs. Many of our students work while studying and issues of struggling to make ends meet during study are all too real for them.”
The ABDC is the representative body for Australian business schools and the discussion forum was attended by the Deans and senior leaders of ABDC member business schools.
You can read the full statement here: https://www.atn.edu.au/news-media/atn-universities-opening-statement-australian-business-deans-council-universities-accord-forum/
Media Contact (not for publication)
Sophie Griffin (Manager, Media and Communications) sophie.griffin@atn.edu.au
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) was established in 1999 and brings together six of Australia’s leading universities focused on enterprise, impact and finding solutions to issues facing our rapidly changing economy and society. Our member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, and University of Technology Sydney. Our universities produce Australia’s most job-ready graduates and undertake world-class research with real-world impact. Through our innovation and leadership, we are proud disruptors challenging the status quo. ATN universities provide world-class education to almost 310,000 students and teach 20 per cent of domestic higher education students, along with 19 per cent of international students and we are the fastest-growing university grouping in terms of domestic students. Together, we are proud of who we include, not exclude, with a strong commitment to equity, excellence, and social justice. ATN is one of Australia’s leading university peak bodies with a track record of advocating and shaping positive policy outcomes with all levels of government.
