Commonwealth Government Policies

The Commonwealth Government maintains several websites devoted to Higher Education issues.

The Higher Education environment is in a period of transition because of a change of policy directions since the election of the Rudd Labor Government in November 2007.

New policy initiatives

Review of Australian Higher Education  The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Education, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, announced on 13 March 2008, a major review of Australia’s higher education system. It will examine and report on the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy and the options for ongoing reform.

Research Quality The Australian Government announced on 21 December 2007 that it would not be proceeding with the former Government’s Research Quality Framework (RQF) project. Material regarding the RQF has been removed from the DEEWR website. Institutions must still submit progress reports for funding obtained under the Australian Scheme for Higher Education Repositories (ASHER) program and the Implementation Assistance Program (IAP).  The templates for these reports can be found at the above link.

Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) came into effect in July 2006. The Australian Government believes that the current VSU policy has made it difficult for many university students to access amenities and services including childcare; health services; counselling; advocacy and sporting facilities.

Higher Education 2020 Newsletter

The Higher Education 2020 Newsletter aims to keep the sector and stakeholders informed about the Australian Government’s higher education policies and programs.

It includes information on any legislative and guideline changes and will be used as a means to consult the higher education sector on key issues and developments.

The newsletter can be accessed from the DEEWR website.

Higher Education Government links

Commonwealth Government Higher Education page
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Higher Education page
Australian Research Council
Australian Education International