Having a minister should ensure that higher education and research get a better hearing at Cabinet and a share of public resources proportionate to its importance. But if the creation of the department is to be really impactful it will require a response from the sector. Pleas for more funding, less regulation and more respect for autonomy are likely to get a better hearing from the new minister if combined with a demonstrated willingness among the institutions to see themselves as part of the solution to the fundamental challenges they now face. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option in the post-pandemic world.
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