The Australian Technology Network of Universities (the ATN) welcomes steps by the Commonwealth Government to lift the number of people from disadvantaged backgrounds and regional areas in university education.
The ATN – the group of the nation’s most industry-engaged universities – assess the changes will make the system fairer while boosting Australia’s skilled-workforce.
ATN Executive Director, Dr Andy Marks, praised Federal Education Minister Jason Clare for the introduction of the new legislation.
“Across the ATN Universities we educate nearly 250,000 students. That includes over a quarter of the country’s engineering graduates, one-in-four IT graduates, and a large share of technical fields critical to boost national productivity and resilience,” said Dr Marks.
“Making access to university fairer is just the beginning. If managed well these measures will also lift the nation’s skills-base in targeted technology-based areas. That will set our workforce up to meet the big challenges Australia confronts in AI adaptation, energy transition, health, defence and housing,” said Dr Marks.
The ATN will scrutinise the bill closely and work with the Parliament as the legislation progresses.
Dr Andy Marks is available for comment or interview.
Media Contact (not for publication)
e info@atn.edu.au
