The interim ATEC will be led by two expert, non-statutory Commissioners, Professor Mary O'Kane AC as interim Chief Commissioner and Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO as interim First Nations Commissioner. They will work alongside Professor Barney Glover AO, the Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, to form the interim Commission.
Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, said:
"We need to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, from the regions and the outer suburbs from getting a crack at uni and succeeding when they get there. It (ATEC) will help break down the barriers between TAFE and university, implement the new funding model, provide advice on pricing and a lot more. So, I'm getting the band back together. The people who wrote the Accord will help to make it real."
Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, said:
"We know that nine in ten jobs over the next decade will need a tertiary qualification – whether that be uni or TAFE. Which means we need to make it easier for Australians to choose the right pathway for them, and for the country. We're setting up ATEC to drive, real long-term reform and build a fairer, more connected system that links to good jobs. Because a better, and better connected, tertiary system means a better future for everyone."
Read the full media release on the Minister's media centre website.