Interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission starts today

The next stage of tertiary education reforms begins today with the establishment of the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

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 begins today in an interim capacity and subject to the passage of legislation, be fully operational in 2026. 

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

These reforms will better align the supply of skilled workers and new knowledge with Australia’s future workforce 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 interim ATEC will be led by two expert, non-statutory Commissioners, Professor Mary O’Kane AC as interim Chief Commissioner and Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO as interim First Nations Commissioner.

They will work alongside Professor Barney Glover AO, the Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, to form the interim Commission.

In the long-term, ATEC will steward the tertiary education system to deliver quality education to more people across Australia.

The Terms of Reference for the interim Commission have also been released today.

The new ATEC will independently provide advice to the Minister for Education and the Minister for Skills and Training.  

ATEC will work closely with Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers and draw on advice from Jobs and Skills Australia, including recommendations from the recent Tertiary Harmonisation Report.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“We need to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, from the regions and the outer suburbs from getting a crack at uni and succeeding when they get there. 

“That requires big structural reform. 

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

“It will help break down the barriers between TAFE and university, implement the new funding model, provide advice on pricing and a lot more.

“So, I’m getting the band back together.

“The people who wrote the Accord will help to make it real.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles:

“We know that nine in ten jobs over the next decade will need a tertiary qualification – whether that be uni or TAFE. 

“Which means we need to make it easier for Australians to choose the right pathway for them, and for the country. 

“We’re setting up ATEC to drive, real long-term reform and build a fairer, more connected system that links to good jobs. 

“Because a better, and better connected, tertiary system means a better future for everyone.”