The Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP introduced legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).
A key objective is to break down silos between VET and university education and expand access for disadvantaged students.
ATECs establishment was a headline recommendation from the 2022-23 Australian Universities Accord; a 12-month review of Australia’s higher education system. The Commission is tasked with creating a better and fairer tertiary education system that delivers for students and on national and economic social objectives.
ATEC has a role in ensuring Australia’s VET and University sectors work together to create a joined-up tertiary system that creates better learning pathways across the system. It has also been tasked with fostering meaningful First Nations partnerships and ensuring their perspectives are reflected in its advice.
Importantly, Professor Barney Glover AO, Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner sits as a key figure with the Commission with the role to ensure skill needs and VET sector perspectives are central to ATEC’S activities.
Once established, ATEC will be led by three commissioners – a full-time Chief Commissioner, a full-time First Nations Commissioner, and a part-time Commissioner.
Skills Insight will engage with ATEC activities to represent the voice of our industries on all matters under their program.