The bill establishes the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) as an independent steward of the higher education system, enshrining a National Tertiary Education Objective, introducing mission-based compacts with universities, and embedding equity and transparency measures.
It also makes consequential amendments to the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, and provides transitional arrangements for the transfer of functions to the new Commission.
The Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 creates a new statutory body (ATEC) led by three expert Commissioners (including a dedicated First Nations Commissioner) to negotiate mission-based compacts with Table A and B providers under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, advise on and update the Higher Education Standards Framework under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, and publish an annual State of the Tertiary Education System report and a biennial Statement of Strategic Priorities.
The accompanying Consequential and Transitional Provisions Bill 2025 amends HESA and the TEQSA Act to transfer responsibilities (including Threshold Standards development) to ATEC, enable data sharing between the Department of Education and ATEC, retain and adapt existing compact requirements during the transition, and empower the Minister to issue transitional rules.
The establishment of an independent ATEC addresses a longstanding gap in strategic oversight, enabling evidence-based policymaking, transparent decision-making, and system-wide coordination of teaching, research and student support [Judgment]. Mission-based compacts align institutional strengths with national priorities while preserving diversity of mission and academic freedom.
By mandating broad stakeholder and First Nations consultation, annual reporting and explicit equity objectives, the Bill strengthens access and outcomes for under-represented groups—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, people with disability, and regional and low-socioeconomic learners—fostering a more inclusive, innovative and resilient higher education sector.
Introducing ATEC and its associated structures may duplicate existing functions performed by the Department of Education, Jobs and Skills Australia, TEQSA and other bodies, adding layers of bureaucracy and cost without clear empirical evidence of improved outcomes [Judgment].
The mission-based compact framework carries risk of uncertainty and potential suspension, undermining institutional autonomy and long-term planning. The projected $54 million establishment cost over ten years may not yield proportional gains in equity or quality if the compact model proves ineffective in practice.
2025-11-26
House of Representatives
Before House of Representatives
Unspecified
Education
Education, Democratic Institutions, Discrimination / Human Rights