ATN welcomes guaranteed places for social and economically disadvantaged and regional students
26 February 2026
The Australian Technology Network of Universities supports Education Minister Jason Clare’s announcement that the Federal Government will introduce new legislation to create more opportunity for people from social and economically disadvantaged and regional backgrounds to attend university.
ATN Executive Director Dr Andy Marks said that guaranteeing places for these students is an important step towards a more inclusive system equipping all Australians with critical skills to meet our national needs.
Quotes attributable to ATN Executive Director Dr Andy Marks
“Equity is at the heart of ATN Universities, and we support this step to expand opportunities for students from social and economically disadvantaged and regional backgrounds,” Dr Marks said.
“The Education Minister’s announcement is not only to the benefit of individual students, but to Australia and our national priorities. We cannot meet Australia’s productivity challenge without critical workforce training – Nor can we reach the bold skills targets the Government set in its Universities Accord reforms without prioritising training for all Australians regardless of background.”
“Removing barriers for access to education is a chance for many Australians to receive the education they deserve. This model has already seen success in supporting Indigenous students entering university. This announcement is a timely boost to Australia’s skills and productivity agenda, creating opportunities for some of our nation’s best untapped talent and most deserving communities.”
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info@atn.edu.au
