Policy submissions

Consultation on Strengthening Research Security and National Security Expectations in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) (PDF, 185KB)

ACU submission to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) consultation “Review of Research Requirements: ‘Australian University Category’ – Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards)”

ATEC Tertiary Roadmap Consultation (PDF, 279 KB)

ACU submission to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) consultation on A More Joined-Up Tertiary.

TEQSA Regulatory Risk Framework Consultation (PDF, 190 KB)

ACU submission to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) consultation on TEQSA’s Regulatory Risk Framework.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025 (PDF, 260KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025.

Higher Education Standards Panel Consultation on Amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (PDF, 258KB)

ACU submission to the Higher Education Standards Panel consultation on proposed amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

Senate Inquiry into the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 and a Related Bill (PDF, 391KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 and a related bill.

Senate Inquiry into the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025 (PDF, 267 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025.

Modernising and Strengthening TEQSA’s Powers: Consultation Paper (PDF, 285KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education consultation on modernising and strengthening TEQSA’s powers.

Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Student Pathways to In-demand Industries (PDF, 341KB)

ACU submission to the Victorian Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries.

Expert Council on University Governance: Strengthening University Governance (PDF 182KB)

ACU submission to the Expert Council on University Governance consultation on strengthening university governance.

TEQSA Consultation on Draft Interim Statement of Regulatory Expectations: Student Grievance and Complaint Mechanisms (PDF)

ACU submission to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) on a draft Interim Statement of Regulatory Expectations: Student Grievance and Complaint Mechanisms.

Senate Inquiry into the Quality of Governance at Australian Higher Education Providers (PDF)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the quality of governance at Australian higher education providers.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities (PDF, 152KB)

ACU submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities.

Senate Inquiry into the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (PDF, 152 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into provisions of the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024.

New Managed Growth Funding System: Implementation Consultation Paper (PDF, 210 KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education consultation on introducing a new Managed Growth Funding system.

Needs-based Funding System: Implementation Consultation Paper (PDF, 200 KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education consultation on introducing a Needs-based Funding system.

Australian Tertiary Education Commission: Implementation Consultation Paper (PDF, 275KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education consultation on establishing an Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

Senate Inquiry into the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 (PDF, 144KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the provisions of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024.

National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (PDF, 369KB)

ACU feedback to the federal Department of Education on the "National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence: Issues Paper".

Research and Evaluation Strategic Partnership Consultation (PDF, 293KB)

ACU response to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on its development of Research and Evaluation Strategic Partnerships (RESP).

Implementing Suburban University Study Hubs (PDF, 189KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education on its consultation paper on implementing suburban university study hubs.

Australia's draft National Science and Research Priorities (PDF, 291KB)

ACU's online submission to the Australian government's draft National Science and Research Priorities.

Support for Students Policy Guidelines (PDF, 218KB)

ACU submission to the federal Department of Education on the "Support for Students Policy: Guidelines - Consultation Paper".

Australian Universities Accord: Interim Report (PDF, 258KB)

ACU feedback to the Australian Universities Accord Panel on its interim report.

National Schools Reform Agreement (PDF, 344KB)

ACU's submission to the Australian government's "Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System", about the upcoming National Schools Reform Agreement.

Teacher Education Expert Panel (PDF, 365KB)

ACU's submission to the Australian Government's Teacher Education Expert Panel discussion paper on initial teacher education (ITE).

Australian Universities Accord: Discussion Paper (PDF, 712 KB)

ACU feedback to the Australian Universities Accord Panel on its Discussion Paper.

Disruption in Australian school classrooms (PDF, 322 KB)

ACU's submission to the Australian government's inquiry on "the issue of increasing disruption in Australian school classrooms".

Use of AI in Australia's education system (PDF, 237 KB)

ACU's submission to the Australian government's inquiry into "the issues and opportunities presented by generative artificial intelligence (AI) for Australia's early childhood education, schools, and higher education sectors".

National Care and Support Economy Strategy 2023 (PDF, 277 KB)

ACU's online submission to the Australian government's "Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy 2023".

Early Years Strategy (PDF, 239 KB)

ACU's Faculty of Education and Arts response to the Australian government discussion paper on developing an Early Years Strategy.

Australian Universities Accord Terms of Reference (PDF, 882KB)

ACU feedback to the Australian Universities Accord Panel on the Terms of Reference for the Review of Australia’s Higher Education System.

National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (PDF, 302KB)
ACU response to the Australian Government's "Draft National Teacher Workforce Action Plan"

Employment White Paper (PDF, 356KB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government’s Terms of Reference for its proposed Employment White Paper

Australia’s tourism and international education sectors (PDF, 284KB)
ACU submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade "Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors"

Australian Centre for Disease Control (PDF, 308KB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care consultation paper, "Role and Functions of an Australian Centre for Disease Control: Prevention-Promotion-Protection"

Australian Research Council (PDF, 3.1MB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government's "Review into the Australian Research Council Act 2001"

HESP Consultation: Next Steps on Improving the Transparency of Higher Education Admissions (PDF, 209KB)

ACU submission to the Higher Education Standards Panel consultation on next steps on improving the transparency of higher education admissions.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (PDF, 330KB)

ACU submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Victorian Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee into Victorian universities' investment in skills (PDF, 211KB)

ACU submission to the inquiry of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee into Victorian universities' investment in skills

Australian Greens Consultation: The University of the Future - Higher Education Built on Democracy and Equity (PDF, 142 KB)

ACU feedback to the Australian Greens Consultation on The University of the Future: Higher Education Built on Democracy and Equity.

Senate Inquiry into the Australian Research Council Amendment (Ensuring Research Independence) Bill 2018 (PDF, 191 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into provisions of the Australian Research Council Amendment (Ensuring Research Independence) Bill 2018.

TEQSA Consultation on Revised Compliance Guides (PDF, 227KB)

ACU feedback to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) consultation on revised compliance guides.

Consultation on a Higher Education Research Commercialisation IP Framework (PDF, 189KB)

ACU feedback to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment consultation on a Higher Education Research Commercialisation Intellectual Property Framework.

UFIT Consultation: Draft Refreshed Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector (PDF, 220 KB)

ACU feedback to the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT) consultation on draft refreshed Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector.

Australian Government Quality Initial Teacher Education Review (PDF, 307 KB)

ACU submission to the Australian Government's Quality Initial Teacher Education Review, to attract high-quality candidates into teaching and equip them to become highly effective teachers.

Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 (PDF, 153 KB)

ACU feedback to the Federal Government consultation on a new Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030.

TEQSA Consultation on Draft Legislative Instrument: Assessment of Research Quality at Australian Universities (PDF, 177 KB)

ACU submission to the TEQSA consultation on a draft legislative instrument pertaining to the assessment of research quality at Australian Universities.

Consultation on University Research Commercialisation (PDF, 187 KB)

ACU submission to the University Research Commercialisation Scheme Taskforce consultation on university research commercialisation.

TEQSA Consultation on Making and Assessing Claims of Scholarship and Scholarly Activity (PDF, 232KB)

ACU submission to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) consultation on making and assessing claims of scholarship and scholarly activity.

Consultation on the National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund (PDF, 281KB)

ACU submission to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment consultation on the National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund (NPILF).

Queensland Health Clinical Placements Strategic Review (PDF, 309KB)

ACU submission to the Queensland Health Clinical Placements Strategic Review

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020 (PDF, 234KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into provisions of the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020.

Amending the Higher Education Standards Framework: Provider Category Standards (PDF, 276KB)

ACU submission to the Higher Education Standards Panel consultation on amending the Higher Education Provider Category Standards.

NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Future Development of the NSW Tertiary Education Sector (PDF, 267KB)

ACU submission to the NSW parliamentary inquiry into the future development of the NSW tertiary education sector.

Proposed Amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 regarding Academic Credit Recognition Arrangements (PDF, 202KB)

ACU submission to the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment consultation on proposed amendments to the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 regarding academic credit recognition arrangements.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Category Standards and Other Measures) Bill 2020 (PDF, 299KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the provisions of the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Category Standards and Other Measures) Bill 2020.

Parliamentary Inquiry into National Security Risks affecting the Australian Higher Education and Research Sector (PDF, 200KB)

ACU submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector.

Commonwealth review of nursing education in Australia (PDF, 428KB)
ACU submission to the independent review of nursing education in Australia, entitled "Educating the Nurse of the Future" (the Schwartz Review).

Australian Government Consultation: Draft Religious Freedom Bills (PDF, 386KB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government consultation on the exposure drafts of the Religious Discrimination Bill 2019, Religious Discrimination (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019, and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Freedom of Religion) Bill 2019.

TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework Consultation (PDF, 194KB)
ACU submission to the TEQSA consultation on the Risk Assessment Framework.

Senate inquiry into the Emergency Response Fund Bill 2019 and the Emergency Response Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019 (PDF, 198KB)
ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Emergency Response Fund Bill 2019 and the Emergency Response Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019.

Australian Government Consultation: Draft Bill to Address Contract Cheating in Higher Education (PDF, 324KB)
ACU feedback to the Department of Education on the Exposure Draft Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Amendment (Prohibiting Academic Cheating Services) Bill 2019.

Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework (PDF, 289KB)
ACU feedback to the Review of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Review of the Higher Education Provider Category Standards (PDF, 525KB)
ACU submission in response to the discussion paper “Review of the Higher Education Provider Category Standards”

Australian Government Consultation: Performance-Based Funding for the Commonwealth Grant Scheme (PDF, 437KB)
ACU submission in response to the Australian Government discussion paper “Performance-based Funding for the Commonwealth Grant Scheme”.

Australian Government Consultation: Reallocation of Commonwealth Supported Places for Enabling, Sub-Bachelor and Postgraduate Courses (PDF, 407 KB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government consultation on the reallocation of Commonwealth Supported Places for enabling, sub-bachelor and postgraduate courses.

Australian Government Vocational Education and Training (VET) review (PDF File, 390 KB)
ACU submission to the Australian Government's review of the vocational education and training (VET) sector

Commonwealth Inquiry into the Status of the Teaching Profession (PDF File, 741.0 KB)

ACU submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training Inquiry into the Status of the Teaching Profession

NSW Curriculum Review (PDF File, 494.3 KB)

ACU submission to the NSW Government's review of the NSW Curriculum.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Loan Program Cost Recovery Bills (PDF File, 285KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the provisions of the Higher Education Support (Charges) Bill 2018 and the Higher Education Support Amendment (Cost Recovery) Bill 2018.

House of Representatives Inquiry into Funding Australia's Research (PDF File, 88.2 KB)

ACU submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into the efficiency, effectiveness and coherency of Australian Government funding for research.

STEM Partnerships Forum (PDF File, 405.8 KB)

ACU submission to the STEM Partnerships Forum on Optimising STEM industry-school partnerships.

National Review of Teacher Registration (PDF File, 341.1 KB)

ACU submission to the National Review of Teacher Registration undertaken by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) on behalf of the Australian Government.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Bill 2018 (PDF File, 332.2 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate Inquiry into provisions of the Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Bill 2018.

Business Council of Australia Discussion Paper Future-Proof: Protecting Australians through Education and Skills (PDF File, 479.0 KB)

ACU submission to the consultation on the Business Council of Australia Discussion Paper Future-Proof: Protecting Australians through Education and Skills.

ACT Discussion Paper  PDF, 235.85 KB

ACU submission to the ACT government’s discussion paper on the teaching workforce, which is an aspect of "The future of education: an ACT community conversation".

Higher Education Standards Panel Discussion Paper Improving Retention, Completion and Success in Higher Education  (PDF File, 170.9 KB)

ACU submission in response to the Higher Education Standards Panel Discussion Paper Improving Retention, Completion and Success in Higher Education.

COAG review of accreditation for health professions (PDF File, 120.0 KB)

ACU submission to the COAG Health Council discussion paper, Independent Review of Accreditation Systems with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health professions.

Federal Inquiry into the status of the human right to freedom of religion or belief (PDF File, 451.1 KB)

ACU submission to The Human Rights Sub-Committee, Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the status of the human right to freedom of religion or belief.

ACU Submission to Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Reform Bill 2017 (PDF File, 238.2 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (A More Sustainable, Responsive and Transparent Higher Education System) Bill 2017.

Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education (PDF File, 61.2 KB)

ACU feedback in response to the Discussion Paper of the Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education.

Senate inquiry into the Medicare Levy Amendment (National Disability Insurance Scheme Funding) Bill 2017 and 10 related bills (PDF File, 41.2 KB)

ACU submission to the Senate inquiry into the Medicare Levy Amendment (National Disability Insurance Scheme Funding) Bill 2017 and 10 related bills.

Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools (PDF File, 248.2 KB)

ACU submission to the Federal Government's Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools (Gonski 2.0 review).

Inquiry into career advice activities in Victorian schools (PDF File, 129.6 KB)

ACU submission to the Inquiry into career advice activities in Victorian schools undertaken by the Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee of the Victorian Parliament.

Victorian inquiry into teacher education (PDF, 262kB)

ACU submission to the Victorian Government Discussion Paper: Working Together to Shape Teacher Education in Victoria.

Senate Inquiry into the VET Student Loans Bills 2016 (PDF, 2.3MB)

ACU Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the VET Student Loans Bill 2016, the VET Student Loans (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2016, and the VET Student Loans (Charges) Bill 2016.

Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) Evaluation (PDF, 167kB)

ACU Submission to the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) Evaluation.

Australian Government consultation: Driving Innovation, Fairness and Excellence in Australian Higher Education (PDF, 189kB)

ACU submission on the Government's options paper, Driving Innovation, Fairness and Excellence in Australian Higher Education.

Australian Research Council consultation on engagement and impact assessment (PDF, 171kB)

ACU submission to the Australian Research Council on how to assess research impact and engagement.

Higher Education Standards Panel Consultation on the Transparency of Higher Education Admissions Processes (PDF, 146kB)

ACU submission to the Higher Education Standards Panel on how to improve the transparency of higher education admissions processes.

Australian Government Inquiry into innovation and creativity: workforce for the new economy (PDF, 270kB)

ACU submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment Inquiry into innovation and creativity: workforce for the new economy.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-HELP Reform) Bill 2015 (PDF, 204kB)

ACU Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-HELP Reform) Bill 2015

Australian Government review of research funding and policy (PDF, 729kB)

ACU submission to the Federal Government's Review of Research Policy and Funding Arrangements, chaired by Dr Ian Watt AO.

Victorian Parliament's Legal & Social Issues Committee Inquiry into End of Life Choices (PDF, 52kB)

ACU submission to the Victorian Parliament's Inquiry into End of Life Choices, supporting the submission made by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Australian Government Consultation on the Draft National Strategy for International Education (PDF, 72kB)

ACU feedback to the Australian Government consultation on the Draft National Strategy for International Education.

Senate Inquiry into Private Vocational Education and Training Providers (PDF, 2.2MB)

ACU submission to the 2015 Senate Inquiry into the operation, regulation and funding of private vocational education and training (VET) providers in Australia.

Senate Inquiry into the principles of the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014 (PDF, 735kB)

ACU submission to the Senate Inquiry into the principles of the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014, and related matters.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014 (PDF, 195kB)

ACU submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education and Research Reform Bill 2014.

Australian Government Consultation on a New Learning and Teaching Institute (PDF, 137kB)

ACU submission to the Australian Government’s consultation on a New Learning and Teaching Institute.

Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill 2014 (PDF, 149kB)

ACU submission and supplementary note to the Senate Inquiry into the Higher Education and Research Reform Amendment Bill 2014.

Australian Government consultation paper Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research (PDF, 103kB)

ACU response to the Australian Government’s consultation paper Boosting the Commercial Returns from Research.

Senate Inquiry into Health (PDF, 133kB)

ACU submission to the Senate Inquiry into Health.

Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Innovation System (PDF, 108kB)

ACU submission to the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s Innovation System.

Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) Issues Paper (PDF, 163kB)

ACU Faculty of Education and Arts submission to the Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group Issues Paper.

Review of the Demand Driven Funding System (PDF, 417kB)

ACU submission to the Review of the Demand Driven Funding System.

NSW Government Discussion Paper Great Teaching, Inspired Learning (PDF, 725kB)

ACU submission in response to the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s discussion paper Great Teaching, Inspired Learning.

QCEC Discussion Paper Pre‐service Teacher Education Entry Requirements (PDF, 179kB)

ACU submission in response to the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) discussion paper Pre‐service Teacher Education Entry Requirements (2012).

Victorian Government Discussion Paper New Directions for School Leadership and the Teaching Profession (PDF, 679kB)

ACU submission in response to the Victorian Government’s discussion paper New Directions for School Leadership and the Teaching Profession.