鈥淲e鈥檙e ready to roll up our sleeves and continue working constructively as a partner of the Albanese Government to support Australia鈥檚 future, as we鈥檝e done for the last three years.
鈥淯niversities are central to much of Labor鈥檚 second-term agenda and to meeting Australia鈥檚 skills and economic needs.
鈥淭hey educate the skilled workers and undertake the research needed to lift productivity and drive a stronger economy, guide the energy transition, deliver quality healthcare and to keep Australians safe.
鈥淲e are very supportive of the Australian Universities Accord and are eager to work alongside the Government to continue implementing this transformational vision for higher education.
鈥淭he Government has made good progress on some of the Accord鈥檚 recommendations, but we must now focus on replacing the Job-ready Graduates Package and funding university research properly.
鈥淲e encourage the Albanese Government to prioritise these reforms, and we are here to help.
鈥淯niversities also need clarity around the Government鈥檚 plan for international students beyond Ministerial Direction 111. This is a stopgap measure at best 鈥 our sector needs certainty and stability.
鈥淚n uncertain times, we need to get our universities match fit to ensure they can continue to support the Government to build Australia鈥檚 future. There鈥檚 no time to waste.
鈥淚 want to acknowledge the Coalition and outgoing leader Peter Dutton for their contribution over the last three years and look forward to working closely with the opposition鈥檚 new leadership team going forward.鈥
