The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), the body which represents Australia’s four most innovative and enterprising universities, welcomed the opportunity today to discuss the newly released report on performance-based funding for Australia’s universities, from an expert panel chaired by Professor Paul Wellings CBE.

ATN Chair, Professor Attila Brungs, acknowledged the Minister Tehan’s open and consultative approach to developing this report and congratulated Professor Wellings and the expert panel on their work.

“ATN universities support action which will help ensure Australia’s high quality university system is responsive, delivers employability skills for Australians, and continues to drive equity and participation.

“I also acknowledge Minister Tehan’s strongly articulated support today for universities as critical drivers of national productivity and prosperity for all Australians”, Professor Bungs said.

ATN universities have always focused on producing Australia’s most job-ready graduates and leading in industry-engaged research and discovery.

“Our graduates are widely recognised as Australia’s most job-ready because we continually work to ensure our curriculum is relevant and informed by our strong engagement with industry partners.

“We welcome the focus on equity in this framework, as ATN strongly believes that Australia should have a higher education system that remains affordable and accessible to all who are eligible, regardless of their background or circumstance.

“ATN looks forward to working with the Government on delivering the job-ready graduates Australia needs to build productivity for the nation through a strongly funded higher education sector”, Professor Bungs said.