A major step forward in shaping the tertiary education system of the future has been taken with the formal establishment of the permanent Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), following the passage of legislation through Parliament in March.
The establishment of the ATEC was a key recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord (the Accord) and is central to strengthening the system’s ability to respond to Australia’s future skills and knowledge needs and deliver on long-term national priorities.
The ATEC first commenced in an interim capacity on 1 July 2025. Substantial progress has been made in consulting with stakeholders across the tertiary education system and in providing expert advice to inform and shape system-wide reform. During the interim phase, the ATEC has been led by interim Commissioners Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, Professor Barney Glover AO, the Hon Fiona Nash and Professor Tom Calma AO.
Now legislated, the ATEC will act as the independent steward of Australia’s higher education system, taking a system-wide view to ensure the sector delivers for Australia now and into the future. In fulfilling this stewardship role, the ATEC will:
- take a long-term, system-wide perspective in the national interest
- work in partnership with universities, students, governments and communities
- support the sustainability of institutions and stronger cross sector collaboration
- be guided by the National Tertiary Education Objective
- improve outcomes for First Nations Australians
- increase access for people facing systemic barriers to participating in tertiary education
ATEC Commissioners will provide independent, strategic advice to government and lead a trusted national body that works collaboratively across the tertiary education system to deliver lasting benefits for learners, educators and the nation. The recruitment of inaugural statutory ATEC Commissioners is underway. Interim Commissioners Professor Barney Glover AO, the Hon Fiona Nash and Professor Tom Calma AO will continue in their roles until statutory Commissioners have been appointed.
Quotes attributable to Interim Chief Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO:
“Having been part of the journey of Australian higher education reform set in motion by the establishment of the Australian Universities Accord Panel in 2022 under the leadership of Professor Mary O’Kane AC, it is an honour to be associated with something as pivotal as the creation of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission.”
“A core tenet of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission is collaboration with the sector. The creation of such a vital piece of the stewardship architecture for higher education in Australia would not have been possible without the enthusiastic engagement of system stakeholders.”
“I would like to extend my deep appreciation to the various invested and engaged stakeholders across the tertiary education landscape that have taken the time to meet with interim Commissioners and share their perspectives.”