Release type: Media Release

Date:

ATEC legislation passes House

Ministers:

The Hon Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education

Legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) passed through the House of Representatives today.

While the legislation still needs to pass the Senate, this is an important step forward. 

A recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord, the ATEC will drive long-term reform across Australia’s tertiary education system, helping us to build the skills Australia needs now and into the future.

The ATEC will play a key role in driving important structural reforms across the tertiary education system to help meet Australia’s skills needs by:

  • promoting a joined-up tertiary system between VET and higher education
  • allocating funding under the new Managed Growth Funding system
  • implementing Needs-based Funding within the core funding model
  • negotiating mission-based compacts to support a diverse, responsive, and high-performing sector.

The ATEC is currently operating in an interim capacity and subject to the passage of legislation, will be fully operational later this year. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“This is an important step.

“The Universities Accord recommended we establish an independent body to help drive and steer reform over the long term. 

“This is big structural reform that will help us build the sort of education system Australia needs now and into the future.”