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A review of Australia’s higher education system was undertaken by the Commonwealth Government in 2002. The Review began with the release of an overview paper entitled ‘Higher education at the crossroads’ in April 2002 (indexed at TD/TNC 71.381). The paper described some of the characteristics of the higher education sector and the challenges facing it. It raised a number of questions for debate and called for submissions on the issues raised. There were 355 submissions from a variety of stakeholders in response to the overview paper. This document, based on the outcomes of the review process, presents the Government’s blueprint for reform. It proposes increased Commonwealth investment of $1.5 billion over four years linked to progressively introduced reforms in areas such as teaching, workplace productivity, governance, student financing, research, cross sectoral collaboration and quality. Show less

This Agreement represents shared priorities between the Australian and state and territory governments in partnership with business and industry for vocational and technical education in Australia. It reinforces the commitment of these governments to support the implementation of new national training arrangements from 1 July 2005. This Agreement also demonstrates their commitment to work collaboratively in areas of national priority that support the long-term objectives for the training system as set out in Shaping Our Future, Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2004-2010 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/LMR 85.685]. The Agreement is being tabled in accordance with requirements of the Skilling Australia's Workforce Act 2005 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 83.246]. Included with the Agreement is the Framework for the New National Training System. The Framework has been agreed between governments and was developed following consultation with business and industry as well as other stakeholders and sets out arrangements for the operation of a national approach to training.

'Skilling Australia's Workforce 2005-08' mid-term review is available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 93.121. Show less

The Australian Government has significant financial and policy responsibility for higher education, while State and Territory governments retain major legislative responsibilities. Recent debate has suggested that there may be a need to re-think this arrangement to promote national consistency and transparency in key areas and ensure the capacity of Australia's universities to compete in both domestic and international markets. On the evidence currently available, there may be benefits in the Australian Government having a greater role in three key regulatory functions which are currently the responsibility of State and Territory governments.

Firstly, legislative differences mean that universities cannot always operate on a level playing field in seeking to expand and diversify their revenue sources through commercial activities. The Australian Government could play a strategic role in encouraging and achieving more consistency across jurisdictions and institutions in areas such as land use, power to invest and to operate outside jurisdiction of establishment. Secondly, governance and management in public universities have not always been responsive to changes in the operating environment over the last decade, for example, diversification of revenue sources and growth in commercial activity. All the State and Territory governments support implementation of the National Governance Protocols introduced by the Australian Government. Thirdly, there is an emerging consensus on the need for greater national consistency in recognition of universities and accreditation of courses and providers. It has been suggested that variations in the implementation of the National Protocols on Higher Education Approval Processes between the States and Territories are costly for providers seeking to operate in more than one State and Territory and confusing for consumers. They may negatively affect Australia's reputation for quality and consistency.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

The Australian Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of the higher education sector to ensure that Australia’s higher education institutions are best placed to contribute to the nation’s future. This overview paper outlines the expectations of higher education and sets out some of the characteristics of the current system, the challenges the system faces and a number of the key issues that affect higher education. It raises a number of questions that are intended to inform the debate and invites comments and submissions on the issues it raises as well as on other issues relating to higher education. Included as attachments are: Background and statistics; Main policy developments of the last thirty years; Some different national structures of higher education; Diversity and performance of Australian universities.

The issues paper ‘Varieties of learning: the interface between higher education and vocational education and training’ is indexed at TD/TNC 71.378. Show less

This report examines the dramatic and far-reaching changes that occurred in Australian higher education (HE) throughout the decade of the 1990s. It chronicles the changes that have reshaped the HE system in Australia, including developments in government policy, the impact on students, the strategic directions taken by universities and their operation and governance. These changes touched numerous aspects of Australian Commonwealth HE policy and university life. They also consolidated and extended the substantial reforms of the late 1980s. The chapters are: A perspective on a decade of change; Education developments; Developments in research and research training; Access and equity; International perspectives; Quality assurance; Students and staff; and Governance and management. Show less