Continued the debate
Chaney supported the establishment of an Australian Tertiary Education Commission in principle, citing the need for long-term stewardship and evidence-based planning in tertiary education. However, she opposed the bill as drafted, arguing it did not provide the independence or authority recommended by the Universities Accord. Chaney contended the proposed body risked becoming dependent bureaucracy constrained by ministerial request rather than acting as an independent steward. Chaney highlighted past policy failures, such as the Job-Ready Graduates scheme, as evidence of the need for robust, non-partisan oversight. Chaney stated she would move amendments to fix these defects and would likely withhold support if the government refused them.