Edition 64, January/February 2009

Higher education review released

The final report of the Review of Australian Higher Education by the independent, expert panel led by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC has been released.

The review was established in March 2008 to examine the current state of the Australian higher education system against international best practice. It was asked to explore the future direction of the sector, its capacity to meet the needs of the Australian community and economy, and the options available for ongoing reform.

The final report comprises a rigorous and comprehensive examination of the areas covered by the review�s terms of reference and proposes a comprehensive package of recommendations for reforming Australia�s broader tertiary education system.

The report makes 46 recommendations along with numerous findings. The recommendations included a number which looked at vocational education and training and its relationship with higher education. Those recommendations included:

  • That the Australian Government negotiate with the states and territories to expand the national regulatory and quality assurance agency to cover the entire tertiary sector (including vocational education and training and higher education) and that the Australian Government assume full responsibility for the regulation of tertiary education and training in Australia by 2010.


  • That the Australian Government negotiate with the states and territories to introduce a tertiary entitlement funding model across higher education and vocational education and training (VET) commencing with the upper levels of VET (diplomas and advanced diplomas) and progressing to the other levels as soon as practicable.


  • That the Australian Government negotiate with the states and territories to extend income contingent loans to students enrolled in VET diplomas and advanced diplomas.


  • That the Australian Government and the governments of the states and territories agree to:
    • establish a single ministerial council with responsibility for all tertiary education and training
    • improve the scope and coordination of labour market intelligence so that it covers the whole tertiary sector and supports a more responsive and dynamic role for both vocational education and training and higher education
    • expand the purpose and role of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research so that it covers the whole tertiary sector.

In undertaking this review the panel has engaged in extensive consultations with representatives from the higher education sector, state and territory governments, business, industry and the broader public. The panel received more than 350 submissions.

The Rudd Government is considering the recommendations and findings of the Bradley Review and will provide a response to its directions in early March 2009.

Prior to making its response the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Minister will conduct a series of six roundtable discussions to be held over the coming weeks to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to respond candidly to the specific recommendations of the Bradley Review in a confidential forum.

The Rudd Government is also considering the recommendations of the Cutler Review on Innovation.

The Government considers that the future of our national research and innovation systems and the higher education sector are closely linked as integral components of the Australian economy.

While the Bradley and Cutler Reviews have outlined a range of issues specific to each sector, there are a number of elements of the Bradley and Cutler Reviews that are interconnected. The Government has established Inter-Departmental Committees to coordinate the response where it is appropriate.

The Government�s response to the panel�s recommendations will be based on a set of core principles, including:

  • opportunity for all
  • academic freedom and autonomy
  • research that advances knowledge and critical thinking
  • access to university based on merit not ability to pay.

To view the final report of the Review of Australian Higher Education visit www.deewr.gov.au/highereducation

This page was generated on 26 August, 2009