Australia’s opposition has outlined a sweeping reform agenda for the nation’s universities, pledging to overhaul student fees, reinstate stricter academic performance requirements, and reclaim ministerial oversight of research funding if it secures victory in the upcoming federal election.
The Liberal-National coalition has also signalled its intention to block the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (Atec), a proposed regulatory body for the sector. Addressing the Universities Australia Solutions Summit, shadow education minister Sarah Henderson dismissed the initiative as unnecessary bureaucracy.
“We see no compelling case to proceed with Atec,” Henderson stated. “It adds another layer of administration at significant cost without delivering meaningful progress for our universities.”
Fee Reforms and Academic Performance Standards
While reaffirming the coalition’s support for the controversial Job-ready Graduates (JRG) reforms introduced in 2021, Henderson pledged a review of the fee and funding structure should her party return to power. She criticized the government for failing to complete the scheduled 2022 review, despite having launched multiple other inquiries into the education sector.
A key policy shift would see the reinstatement of the “50 per cent pass rule,” a measure that previously barred students from receiving government subsidies if they failed more than half of their attempted subjects after enrolling in at least eight. Originally part of the JRG package, the rule was scrapped following recommendations from the Universities Accord panel.
“We don’t believe there are sufficient safeguards to prevent students from accumulating significant debt without earning a qualification,” Henderson said.
Additionally, the coalition plans to introduce an “Australian universities performance index” to provide transparent data on student satisfaction, course quality, and graduate outcomes.
Reclaiming Ministerial Control Over Research Funding
In a firm stance on research governance, Henderson pledged to reverse changes to the Australian Research Council (ARC) that stripped the education minister of approval powers for most research grants.
“Under our Westminster system, the responsibility for research funding decisions should rest with the government, not an unelected board,” she said. “We will ensure the ARC enforces strict research integrity and grant conditions.”
Crackdown on Vice-Chancellor Salaries and Campus Antisemitism
Henderson called for greater accountability in university leadership, advocating for vice-chancellors’ salaries at public institutions to be set by the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal rather than university boards.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, current salary arrangements fail the public trust,” she argued.
The coalition also vowed to take a hardline approach to antisemitism on campuses. Universities would be required to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, replacing the version introduced on February 24. A new national code on antisemitism would be enforced, and institutions would be compelled to cooperate with an Australian Federal Police-led task force.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe on campus,” Henderson asserted. “Academic freedom must not serve as a shield for antisemitism.”
Tighter Controls on International Student Numbers
Henderson reiterated the opposition’s commitment to capping international student enrolments more strictly, promising further details in the coming weeks.
As Australia heads toward a federal election expected by mid-May, the coalition’s aggressive stance on higher education signals a potential shake-up for universities should it claim victory.