VET News

Strengthening Engagement Between the HE and VET Sectors

The Accord process that has driven this Interim Report has been an important reminder of the fundamental public good of higher education. 

Higher education is transformative for individuals and for the nation, bringing countless social and economic benefits, as well as constituting one of our most crucial export industries. 

As the analysis in the pages of this report demonstrates, there is simply no getting away from the stark fact that a high-quality and equitable higher education system is now essential.

The Accord Interim Report outlines a vision for the future of Australia’s higher education system. 

The Report reflects high-quality, thoughtful submissions and extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. 

It contains five recommendations for priority action and raises issues for further discussion to inform the Review’s Final Report.

Five recommended priorities:

1. Extend visible, local access to tertiary education by creating further Regional University Centres (RUCs) and establish a similar concept for suburban/metropolitan locations.
2. Cease the 50% pass rule, given its poor equity impacts, and require increased reporting on student progress.
3. Ensure that all First Nations students are eligible for a funded place at university, by extending demand driven funding to metropolitan First Nations students.
4. Ensure that all First Nations students are eligible for a funded place at university, by extending demand driven funding to metropolitan First Nations students.
5. Through National Cabinet, immediately engage with state and territory governments and universities to improve university governance, particularly focusing on:

Download the interim report here.

Date posted Oct 12, 2023