Claire Clutterham (Sturt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The bill also provides the ATEC with the function of preparing reports and providing advice and recommendations on improving higher education, access, participation and outcomes for those facing systemic barriers to education.

We are at a generational juncture, and this is the moment to design an enduring higher education system that serves Australia's interests for decades to come. In building on the strengths of the current tertiary education framework, the ATEC is part of a system that will underpin Australia's economic and social prosperity. The ATEC must cement public confidence in the higher education system and become a longstanding and trusted source of tertiary policy expertise and stewardship and be a strong, independent body operating under the strategic direction of government, facilitating the mission of universities to be places of high-quality teaching and research and development that drives innovation, productivity and economic prosperity. I stand with the Prime Minister and Minister for Education as they prosecute this agenda, and I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.