Despite years of increasing and widening participation strategies, there is evidence of widening inequality gaps and growing divergences in educational opportunities and outcomes across countries. In every country where data is available participation in higher levels of education continues to be unequal from a social background perspective.

Writing in Times Higher Education, Ellen Hazelkorn (author A framework for building a world-class post-compulsory education system for Wales. Welsh Government.) cautions that establishing an integrated regulator is no guarantee for a seamless and equitable post-compulsory system. Medr must go further.

A central recommendation in the Report of the Australian Universities Accord is that the Government establish an Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC). The Government are acting on that recommendation, have established an implementation advisory group and the Department of Education has issued an “Implementation consultation paper”. 

In September 2024, the Australian Innovative and Research Universities (IRU) held their annual Leaders Forum in Murdoch University. A key issue on their agenda was the ATEC.

Tom Boland was invited to share Ireland’s experience, and experience internationally, to inform the universities on the role, responsibilities and functions of the ATEC and its relationship with the universities and Government.