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A major review of higher education was announced by Education Minister, Julia Gillard, in early March. The process is hoped to help write a new chapter in the history of Australian higher education. Six key areas will be focused on - access, diversity, quality and articulation arrangements with the vocational education and training sector. A report on priority action will be completed by a review panel by October and a final report by the end of the year. Panel members include, Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, Peter Noonan (vocational and higher education consultant), Helen Nugent (chair of the 1999 ministerial enquiry into the performing arts) and Bill Scales (chancellor of Swinburne University).
- creation of a diverse set of high performing, globally focused institutions, each with its own clear, distinctive mission;
- improving the sector's contribution to increased economic productivity and labour market participation, taking into account current economic, workforce and demographic trends;
- the improvement of funding arrangements for the sector, taking into account public and private contributions and the development of funding compacts with individual universities;
- widening access to higher education and improving student support programs to promote social inclusion and individual opportunity;
- ensuring the highest possible standards;
- the creation of a broad tertiary education system with proper articulation between universities and vocational education and training.
Source: Campus Review