Happy New Year – IHEA Office Reopens 3 Jan

Happy New Year and welcome to 2023!

We trust that you and your families had - or are continuing to have - a restful break over the New Year holiday period.

The IHEA office re-opened on Tuesday 3 January 2023 and the team have returned refreshed and ready to assist you.

Last year was busy one for IHEA as we led the charge on several issues including, among others, confirmation of the 2022 FEE-HELP loan fee exemption, student visa processing issues impacting independent providers, deferral of implementation of TEQSA full cost recovery, waiving of international TPS levies and certain TEQSA and ASQA regulatory fees, as well as bringing members together to support Ukrainian humanitarian visa entrants to Australia through the provision of education scholarships.

This year will be defined by the Universities Accord review of higher education, which will shape the direction of tertiary education policy settings for this government. IHEA previously called for a national strategy for higher education reform, and we are looking forward to continuing our involvement in the Universities Accord process. In support of this, late last year, the Minister for Education, Hon Jason Clare, announced IHEA as a member of the Universities Accord Ministerial Reference Group. This will be an opportunity to highlight the growing capacity of Australia’s world-class independent higher education sector and promote highly beneficial sector reforms.

In addition to the Accord process, you can be sure that we will continue to engage with decision makers in government, representatives from across the political spectrum, and other higher education leaders in government departments.

IHEA’s evidence-based approach will guide our advocacy and support of members on key issues and sector reforms to ensure, as much as possible, a level playing field between public and independent higher education providers. That is why we will continue to host and invite guest speakers to our member networks in 2023 and seek feedback from you for IHEA submissions and research and policy outputs.

There will be much to discuss as we progress into the year, and additional and unexpected issues will likely emerge, but the strength and collegiality of the IHEA membership will ensure we continue to overcome any challenges and make the most of opportunities that come our way.

We look forward to working with you to continue growing the respect and recognition of Australia’s independent higher education sector and supporting you to succeed.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact the IHEA team at any time if you need advice, support, or assistance or to give feedback or suggestions for future activities.