Policy and advocacy

Well-funded and resilient higher education systems are essential. Not only for navigating the ever-changing educational and industrial landscape, but for meeting education targets across the entire pipeline. Therefore, Governments must commit to realising innovative, sustainable financial models for universities. The sector can work creatively with governments to better finance higher education and move beyond the obvious asks. For example, we can explore tripartite funding mechanisms between government, industry and universities; how foreign tax credits can subsidise public funding; and  support and disseminate best practice to incentivise industry to work with and invest in universities through curriculum development, apprenticeships, and research commercialisation.

To effectively address disparities in access and inclusion, the ACU advocates for robust data collection and research that goes beyond surface-level analysis, focusing on the needs of students with disabilities and other marginalized groups. By identifying gaps and assessing the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms, this approach will help develop targeted strategies to remove barriers and enhance support systems. The ACU will lead efforts to close the evidence gap by conducting research on gender and disability inclusion in higher education and sharing best practice case studies to guide governments in adopting effective inclusion policies. The ACU also advocates for investing in and diversifying pedagogies through online learning to reach a broader student base

Universities can be part of the solution for many of the wider challenges governments face including AI and digital transformation. Universities can play a key role in guiding governments through the ethical and regulatory challenges that accompany these technological advancements and they can be part of the solution in developing an AI and digitally-enabled  workforce equipped with the skills needed for future technologies. As we look to align our regulatory and governance frameworks to keep up with the pace of change, universities serve as crucial hubs for research, innovation, analysis, digital skills and discourse, helping to navigate the complex landscape of AI's impact on society and employment.

Governments can work with universities to address skills gaps. Universities are committed to becoming adaptable 21st-century hubs that can adeptly respond to the rapid changes in skills, innovation, industry, and technology. Collaboration between higher education and industry is crucial. Changing skill requirements requires flexible national frameworks of accreditation and evolving curriculums, but to really meet this mission, it is crucial to foster stronger collaborations between universities and industry partners, enabling students to gain real-world experience and relevant skills that will prepare them for the demands of the future. We must also equip students to become the job-creators of the future, embedding entrepreneurship and enterprise in our education.

University research is the cornerstone of sustainable development. The ACU is committed to bringing together universities and Commonwealth governments to facilitate partnerships and co-create research-led solutions to fulfil national missions. Governments must incentivise and invest in university research. University research is a crucial enabler. It is crucial for governments to find policy solutions and mechanisms to cultivate a productive research ecosystem and better facilitate equitable research partnerships.