IHEA Congratulates New Education Minister Clare, New Skills and Training Minister O’Connor

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) congratulates the Hon Jason Clare MP on his appointment as Minister for Education.

“IHEA congratulates Jason Clare on his appointment as Minister for Education in the new government,” said IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy.

“Minister Clare has been and MP for 15 years and his experience in government and opposition should prepare him well for the higher education challenges of 2022 and beyond.”

“Australia’s independent higher education sector educates approximately 170,000 domestic and international students, making a significant economic and social contribution to the education sector in Australia.”

“Independent higher education institutions deliver quality education and a student experience that leads the nation in student quality rankings. In government quality surveys, students consistently rank independent higher education institutions the highest in the country for teaching quality, learner engagement, skills development, and overall quality.”

“IHEA looks forward to working with Minister Clare to build on successful contribution of independent higher education to Australia’s world-class higher education sector.”

“IHEA also congratulates Senator Anthony Chisholm on his appointment as Assistant Minister for Education.”

The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP appointed as Minister for Skills and Training.

“IHEA congratulates Brendan O’Connor on his appointment as Minister for Skills and Training,” said Dr Hendy.

“As Australia emerges from the impacts of the COVID pandemic driven economic downturn, the economy is facing skills and workforce shortages. Policy settings need to be sharply focused on meeting these immediate and short-term demands, while charting a sustainable course for educating a skilled workforce that industry demands.”

“Prior to the federal election, we released the 2022 IHEA Federal Election Platform, which sets out a series of beneficial sector reforms to re-energise Australian higher education, tackle skills shortages, and boost productivity during this new term of Australian government.”

“IHEA looks forward to working with Minister O’Connor to ensure Labor’s vision for Australia’s education system harnesses the capability of the independent higher education sector to accelerate innovation, diversity, and student choice.”

Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au)