Media Release – ATN Universities – Thousands more students to be given opportunity for university degrees

WEDNESDAY, 7 DECEMBER

The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) will play a pivotal part in providing opportunity of world-class education for thousands more students in 2023 – many of whom will be the first in their family to attend university.

Education Minister, Jason Clare, has today reconfirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to greater equity being delivered in higher education. ATN Executive Director, Luke Sheehy, applauded the move, agreeing that it will be one of the most pressing matters facing universities next year and beyond.

“The promise by the Minister that equity will take centre-stage is in lockstep with ATN universities, that we must always find ways of providing increased opportunity for more students from diverse backgrounds to undertake study in their preferred area, and help make them job ready,” Mr Sheehy said.

“Ensuring all Australians, regardless of background or circumstance, can access education is a core issue for ATN. Our universities are passionate about access and equity in Australia’s education system – they are critically important to drive opportunity and fairness in our society.

“The Government demonstrated its great commitment to the cause by allocating 20,000 extra places to universities.

“With more than 22 per cent of all new places delivered to our ATN universities, we will be at the forefront of meeting the national skills challenge and have proved to be the most inclusive in the country, providing access to education to those who have often been overlooked.”