Australian Tertiary Education Commission establishes Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) has established its inaugural Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC), creating a dedicated advisory body to ensure the perspectives and experiences of people with disability inform the Commission's work.

The DIAC will provide independent advice to ATEC on issues affecting students, staff and stakeholders with disability across Australia's tertiary education sector, supporting ATEC's commitment to an accessible, inclusive and equitable system.

The Committee has been established pursuant to the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026 and will play an important role in informing ATEC's functions as it works to support implementation of the Universities Accord reforms.

ATEC Chief Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO said the establishment of the DIAC demonstrates ATEC's commitment to meaningful engagement with people with disability.

"People with disability bring invaluable expertise and lived experience to discussions about the future of Australia's tertiary education system.

The Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee will ensure disability perspectives are embedded in ATEC's work from the outset and inform advice that supports a more accessible and inclusive tertiary education system.

The Committee will be important in ensuring the voices and expertise of people with disability help shape the implementation of higher education reform and the future direction of the sector."

The Committee will comprise members with lived experience of disability and expertise across the tertiary education system. Through its advice, the DIAC will support ATEC to better understand barriers to participation and achievement, identify opportunities for improvement, and promote inclusive approaches to policy and system reform.

The ATEC is currently seeking expressions of interest from individuals wishing to join the DIAC. Expressions of interest close on 28 October 2026. Further information and application details are available via APS Jobs.

Background 

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is Australia's independent steward of the tertiary education system. Established under the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026, ATEC provides advice to government, undertakes system stewardship functions, allocates Commonwealth funding to higher education providers, and supports implementation of the Universities Accord reforms. 

The Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee has been established under the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026 to provide advice to ATEC on matters relating to disability inclusion across Australia's tertiary education sector. The Committee will help ensure the perspectives and experiences of people with disability inform ATEC's work and support a more accessible and inclusive tertiary education system.