July 29, 2024

IRU thanks outgoing Ministers and welcomes new Albanese Government Ministry

As the new Albanese Government Ministry is sworn in today, the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) thanks Ministers O’Connor and Burney for their significant contributions and welcomes new ministers in key portfolios for Indigenous Australians, Skills and Training and Home Affairs. These are all critical areas of public policy where our universities will stay engaged with the new Ministry.

As Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP drove significant change over the last two years and engaged extensively with the IRU and university sector. We appreciate his energy and commitment to skills and training, and the collaborative approach of he and his team.

The IRU supports the government’s commitment to a more integrated tertiary education and training system that will deliver the critical skills that are needed for the future workforce right across the country. We look forward to engaging with the new Skills Minister, the Hon Andrew Giles MP and believe that supporting more students from under-represented backgrounds to succeed in post- secondary education and training must remain a priority.

As Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP engaged with our universities to support the goal of Indigenous self-determination and we thank her for her contribution to public life.

We look forward to working with Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy as she takes on this important Ministerial role and continuing to advocate for better support for Indigenous students and for Indigenous-led research and the role of Indigenous knowledges in our universities.

Universities are in the midst of negotiating significant changes to international education with the government and we will continue to work closely with Education Minister the Hon Jason Clare MP and the new Home Affairs Minister, the Hon Tony Burke MP on a sustainable solution that will protect students and Australia’s hard-won reputation for quality education.

The IRU supports reforms to make international education an integral part of a more balanced and coordinated university system, in line with the recommendations of the Universities Accord report. The existing Home Affairs Ministerial Directive 107 has disproportionately and unfairly impacted our students and universities, undermining equity and diversification. This must be changed as a matter of priority and we will work with Ministers on a system that maximises social and economic benefits for the nation.