ACDS lodges submission on ATEC’s Tertiary Roadmap consultation

The ACDS has lodged a submission to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) in response to its consultation on A More Joined-up Tertiary System.

ACDS supports a more connected tertiary system that strengthens lifelong learning and improves pathways between vocational and higher education. The submission argues that reform should build on the complementary strengths of universities, VET providers and dual-sector institutions, while preserving the diversity of institutional missions. A central message is that Australia needs a tertiary system that develops both skills and knowledge. While meeting workforce needs is essential, reform must also sustain the research, innovation and scientific capability that underpin Australia’s future prosperity, productivity and resilience. Among its recommendations, ACDS calls for:

• stronger, more flexible lifelong learning pathways between VET and higher education;
• funding and regulatory settings that better support collaboration between universities, VET providers and industry;
• recognition of the distinct but complementary roles of different tertiary providers; and
• policy settings that value long-term national capability alongside immediate workforce outcomes.

Read the full ACDS Submission.