On 26 November, the Australian Government introduced new legislation to formally establish the ATEC. This marks a significant step in implementing the recommendations of the Australian Universities Accord, with ATEC set to lead lasting reforms that will build a better and fairer tertiary education system for Australia.
Once established through legislation, ATEC will be an independent steward for the higher education system, driving important reforms to Australia’s higher education sector to grow equity participation and meet Australia’s skills needs. It will work in new, collaborative ways with stakeholders, including State and Territory governments, to ensure the sector is responsive to local and regional needs while driving national objectives.
The ATEC will take on responsibility for entering into mission based compacts, guiding the system towards national priorities while supporting mission-aligned delivery. Compacts will enable universities to demonstrate achievement of goals through tailored, flexible and collaboratively negotiated agreements.
The ATEC will also provide Government with strategic advice to support long-term planning and will work with stakeholders to drive tertiary education attainment growth by expanding opportunities to equity cohorts and ensuring the system delivers on Australia’s skills needs.
Establishment of the ATEC is the result of extensive consultation with the sector, dating back to the Australian Universities Accord. More recently, the interim ATEC has worked closely with the Accord Implementation Advisory Committee and other sector stakeholders to shape the final legislative design. The ATEC will continue to consult with stakeholders as it implements mission based compacts, and develops the Statement of Strategic Priorities.