IHEA Submission | ATEC Statement of Strategic Priorities 2027-28 Consultation

30 October 2026 ­­— IHEA welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the ATEC Statement of Strategic Priorities 2027–28 Consultation

IHEA supports the intention that the Statement of Strategic Priorities 2027–28 (SSP) provide clear system−level direction while retaining sufficient flexibility for providers to respond according to their mission, operating context and strategic vision. This principle is particularly important in a higher education system comprising public universities, private universities, University Colleges and a diverse range of non−university higher education providers.

IHEA strongly supports the approach that the SSP should balance ambition with stability and practicality and allow providers to focus on priorities most relevant to their mission and operating context.  The final SSP should make equally clear that system stewardship must recognise and make effective use of the full diversity of Australia’s regulated higher education sector.

IHEA recommends clearer recognition of provider diversity, proportionality and competitive neutrality. This entails removal of unnecessary barriers to student participation and choice and equitable access to Commonwealth support according to student need. ATEC should use its research and advisory functions to examine these issues and recommend reforms to government. The priorities should be implemented flexibly according to provider mission, scale and operating context.