VC ' S CORNER
campusreview . com . au
Experts agree
Mary O ’ Kane speaks on video at the HEDx conference with a panel of vice-chancellors , ( left to right ) moderator Martin Betts , Bruce Dowton , Clare Pollock , Merlin Crossly and Andrew Parfitt
Vice-chancellors respond to Accord Interim report
By Erin Nixon
University Accord panel chair Mary O ’ Kane has expressed her disappointment with the absence of diversity in the 300 submissions presented for consideration in the interim report , released earlier this year .
The interim report outlines a plan proposing five priority actions to address core issues in the Australian higher education sector .
“ I was hoping to get more diverse input , particularly from industry , research and overseas sectors ,” O ’ Kane said in an interview for the HEDX conference in Sydney .
The interim report acknowledged that a major challenge for the higher education sector has been the declining number of students enrolling and graduating with degrees .
As demand for skilled graduates increases , the overall goal of reform must be to offer greater equity in education and to promote lifelong learning for Australians .
“ It is projected that over the next five years , more than 90 per cent of new jobs will require post-school qualifications , with over 50 per cent requiring a bachelor ’ s degree or higher ,” according to the report .
Data analysed in the report estimated that Australian universities must attain over a 50 per cent increase in student enrolments by 2050 to keep up with demand .
Achieving this target will require action to support equitable access to education , particularly in cohorts traditionally less likely to undertake and complete further studies .
LIFTING THE CAP FOR INDIGENOUS INNER-CITY STUDENTS
During a speech at the National Press Club , Education Minister Jason Clare announced that the cap on university places will be lifted for Indigenous students living in metropolitan areas .
“ Only 15 per cent of people from poor families have a university degree today , and it ’ s even lower if you are Indigenous ,” Mr Clare said .
Until now , enrolments were only uncapped for Indigenous students living in rural and regional communities .
Plans to engage other equity groups , including low SES and regional students , also form part of the plan to increase higher education enrolments .
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