Fit for Purpose? The Higher Education Reform Agenda in Australia's Federated System

Australia’s higher education sector stands at a critical juncture. One shaped by enduring constitutional tensions embedded within our federated system. Historically, universities have operated under a delicate balance between Commonwealth funding and oversight, and state-based legislative and regulatory frameworks. Recent landmark initiative including the Australian Universities Accord, the formation of Jobs and Skills Australia, the establishment of the Australian Teritiary Education Commission (ATEC), and changes to student migration policy have amplified these inherent complexities, reshaping the governance and operation of universities nationwide.

The Universities Accord and ATEC, driven by Commonwealth policy, seeks to redefine the core purpose, funding structure, and accountability measures of universities, challenging traditional state roles and increasing the Commonwealth’s influence. Concurrently, tightened student migration restrictions create additional resourcing pressures, compelling universities to reconsider their recruitment strategies, internationalisation approaches, and long-term sustainability.

These developments provoke critical policy questions: How can governance arrangements be clarified to enhance institutional autonomy while ensuring accountability to national priorities? To what extent do constitutional frameworks limit or enable sector-wide innovation and reform? And importantly, how can policy coordination between Commonwealth and state governments be strengthened to better support universities?

Join senior education executives, policy leaders, constitutional experts, and leading academics to navigate these questions, and explore practical policy pathways for a resilient, effective, and purpose-driven Australian higher education system.