The Accord Final Report found that the absence of a sector steward has, over time, created a system characterised by ‘a lack of deep thinking and clarity of direction for the sector to be agile to future needs’.
Our submission identifies seven areas of opportunity to establish strategic stewardship:
The Commission should:
- Prioritise national strategy (which the sector is lacking) over administration (which belongs in the Department of Education); avoid overloading the Commission with administrative functions which would limit its capacity to provide strategic advice into the future.
- Ensure Commissioners have current, historical and relevant knowledge of the higher education system.
- Define education as more than ‘useful’ or a prerequisite for occupations, recognising that learning is good in its own right — for the individual and society.
- Consult educators and researchers (not just university executives) to ensure effective decision-making.
- Undertake whole-of-sector planning, auditing and research.
- Collaborate with professional bodies to obtain expert advice that’s independent of universities.
- Utilise Australia’s Learned Academies’ disciplinary expertise to help steward the nation’s sovereign intellectual capabilities.
Overall, the ATEC must be constructed as a knowledgeable and well informed planning body that is tasked with providing independent strategic advice on the shape and orientation of the sector, including its alignment with the interests of the nation.
