Government’s strategic examination of Australia’s R&D system, National Student Ombudsman: Latest rundown of higher education

From our Chief Executive Officer

In beginning to reflect on the big year it’s been, one of my ongoing frustrations, which I think is shared by many of you, has been the lack of focus on the Universities Accord. This is due, in large part, to the unnecessary and unwanted distraction of international student caps. I can’t recall another issue dominating our landscape for as long as this has. It has been all-consuming at times.?

Pleasingly, this week the Accord has been back on the agenda. On Monday, we received long-awaited further details of the Government’s strategic examination of the research and development system. This is necessary to support what is a critically important sector to our economy and our future. In welcoming the commencement of the examination, we called on the Government to waste no time in acting to ensure Australia does not fall further behind in the global innovation race.?

While the examination is itself a recommendation of the Accord, there are other initiatives in the Accord that can be adopted now to support our R&D efforts. A good place to start is greater and more sustainable funding for these activities. Helpfully, Robyn Denholm , who’s leading the examination, has already said spending on R&D needs to double by the end of the decade. I’m looking forward to engaging with Robyn and the panel throughout the examination to strengthen our R&D system for Australia’s benefit.?

Also dominating headlines this week was the release of the September quarter GDP figures. Weaker-than-expected economic growth has landed Australia in its worst economic slump since the 1990s recession, outside the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, we are now seeing the damaging effects of Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107) in the data, with education exports down $1.2 billion (nine per cent) in the September quarter compared to last year.??

With the Government continuing to consider changes to visa processing, we took the opportunity to highlight the economic hit in our public response on Wednesday. At a time of growing budget pressures, we should be investing in our most successful sectors, not curtailing them. That’s the key to building a stronger, more prosperous future for all Australians.?

We are keeping a close eye and ear on the Hill for any new developments around the replacement of MD107 and I will keep you updated as we learn more. As you all know, UA has been advocating strongly on your behalf for the removal of MD107 since June. We are determined to see it replaced with a fairer mechanism for all universities.?

This week, I was pleased to meet with Sarah Bendall who is, of course, the National Student Ombudsman. Sarah has a big and important job to do, and I look forward to leading our sector’s engagement with her as we strive to provide the best experience possible for our students.??

Next week, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights is holding another public hearing for its inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities. I understand a number of your institutions have been called to appear. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can assist in any way.?

I’ll leave it there for today. Thank you, as always, for your engagement with and support of us. We’re almost at the end of a huge year. I hope you all have a wonderful and restful weekend!?

Luke Sheehy

Universities Australia