An independent steward for the higher education system

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) will be an independent steward for the higher education system, tasked with creating a better and fairer tertiary education system that delivers for students and on national economic and social objectives.

Our pathway to

establishment

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The interim ATEC commences
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The ATEC will be fully operational
(subject to the passage of legislation)

The interim Commissioners will consult with and engage widely with the sector and stakeholders and work collaboratively to support and oversee the establishment of the ATEC prior to the passage of legislation, including providing advice to Government.

Once established through legislation, the ATEC will be led by three expert Commissioners.

Interim commissioners

  • Interim Commissioner Mary O'Kane AC
    Professor Mary O’Kane ACInterim Chief Commissioner
  • Larissa Behrendt
    Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AOInterim First Nations Commissioner
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  • Barney Glover
    Professor Barney Glover AOJobs and Skills Australia Commissioner

Read about our Commissioners

The Australian Universities Accord

In November 2022, the Australian Government commissioned a panel of experts to undertake the Australian Universities Accord (the Accord), the broadest review of the higher education sector in 15 years. 

The ATEC was a headline recommendation of the Accord. The Final Report of the Australian Universities Accord recommended that the Australian Government establish an ATEC (Recommendation 30) to take a new leadership and stewardship role of Australia’s tertiary education system.

 

Learn more about the Accord