Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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2. Thursday 5 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission to steward the tertiary education sector. Government members argued the commission was essential for integrating vocational and higher education, while Opposition members criticised it for adding unnecessary bureaucracy and ignoring the independent sector. Independent members supported the commission in principle but raised concerns about student debt and the need for greater independence from ministerial direction. The sole speaker in the final segment supported the bill for addressing skills shortages and improving system coordination before the discussion was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Monday 9 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission to steward higher and vocational education and implement the Universities Accord. Government members supported the bill as essential for long-term planning, equity, and coordinating sector pathways, while opposition and independent members raised concerns regarding bureaucracy, independence, and regional representation. The Greens abstained due to perceived flaws, and the Coalition expressed reservations about regulatory overlap and governance structures. The Minister for Education acknowledged crossbench amendments but stated the government would consider them after receiving a Senate committee report.

   Outcome: The bills were passed after divisions, with the first division resulting in 41 votes against and 95 for, and the second division resulting in 95 votes for and 39 against.

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4. Tuesday 10 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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5. Tuesday 10 February 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission to implement reforms from the Australian Universities Accord. Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm argued that the commission would address barriers to higher education for disadvantaged students and coordinate vocational and university sectors. He detailed accompanying measures including student debt reductions, increased university places, and new funding models. The debate concluded with the motion for second reading being moved, though no vote was recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned after the second reading speech was delivered.

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8. Monday 30 March 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, focusing on its independence, research expertise, and the inclusion of student contributions in its remit. The Greens moved several amendments, some of which were accepted by the government, while others regarding ministerial veto powers and student cost analysis were rejected. The Opposition argued the bill lacked sufficient focus on teaching quality and institutional efficiency. The debate concluded with the passage of the bills after a series of divisions on specific amendments.

   Outcome: The Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 was agreed to as amended and reported with amendments, while the consequential provisions bill was agreed to and reported without amendment; both bills were read a third time.

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9. Monday 30 March 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) as an independent steward for the higher education sector. Government senators argued the bill was essential for long-term planning, equity, and integrating vocational and higher education, citing broad stakeholder support. Opposition and independent senators criticised the bill for lacking specific references to teaching and research, increasing bureaucracy, and failing to address the Job-Ready Graduates scheme. Two second-reading amendments were moved by the Greens and an independent senator, both of which were defeated.

   Outcome: The bills were passed by a vote of 37 to 26.

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