May 12, 2025

IRU welcomes new Albanese Government Ministry

The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) congratulates the members of the Albanese Government’s new Ministry and looks forward to working constructively with Ministers on reforms to deliver a fairer education system, and innovation to drive national productivity.

IRU Chair Professor Simon Biggs (Vice-Chancellor and President of James Cook University) said that the second term of the Albanese Government will be critical for seeing through bold reform of the tertiary education and research and development (R&D) systems.

“We are enthusiastic to get to work with Ministers to deliver on the promise of the Universities Accord,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing our work with returning Education Minister the Hon Jason Clare MP to meet the Accord goal of increased tertiary participation, particularly for students from under-represented backgrounds. The Accord reforms are essential to ensure that all Australians have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they will need for the jobs of the future.

“I’d also like to welcome the incoming Minister for Industry and Science, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, and thank outgoing Minister the Hon Ed Husic MP for his commitment to research and innovation as critical drivers of Australian prosperity, and to a more inclusive approach that broadens the talent pool for our R&D system.”

IRU Executive Director Paul Harris said that universities are ready to move quickly to ensure continuity in key areas of policy.

“The Albanese Government has important policy work underway in key areas such as the establishment of the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission, the Strategic Examination of R&D and the finalisation of the Strategic Framework for International Education and Skills,” he said.

“We welcome the Hon Julian Hill MP to the newly created role of Assistant Minister for International Education and look forward to working with him for sustainable growth in international education to benefit students and Australian society.

“We look forward to working closely with the new Ministry to ensure that we maximise the role of universities in helping to deliver a more equitable and innovative Australia.”