Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Consideration in Detail

Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail

House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on amendments to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission with greater independence and a broader mandate. Kate Chaney moved amendments to increase commissioner numbers, ensure staffing certainty, and allow the commission to initiate its own research, which were not supported by the government pending a Senate inquiry. Julian Leeser proposed an opposition amendment to redefine the national tertiary education objective to focus on teaching, research, and values rather than social development, which the minister rejected. Monique Ryan moved an amendment to include student contributions in the commission's cost assessments, which was also deferred for Senate consideration. All amendments were negatived.

Outcome

All amendments moved by Kate Chaney, Julian Leeser, and Monique Ryan were negatived, and the debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Kate Chaney (Curtin) (Independent) Ind

Chaney moved a package of amendments to enhance the autonomy of the proposed Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The changes sought to raise the commissioner count from three to five, require enforceable staffing agreements with the department, and allow the commission to initiate and publish its own research and advice without ministerial request. Chaney argued these measures were necessary to ensure long-term, evidence-based policy advice and to explicitly include research stewardship in the commission's role. Chaney indicated support for an additional amendment by Monique Ryan regarding student contributions but stated the bill should not pass in its current form.

Government response

Jason Clare (Minister for Education) ALP Blaxland

Clare acknowledged the intent behind Chaney's amendments to strengthen the commission's independence but stated the government could not support them at this stage. Clare committed to considering the amendments alongside the upcoming report from the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, expected in late February. Clare rejected Leeser's amendment, arguing the existing objectives reflected the Universities Accord recommendations for the broader system rather than just the regulator. Clare also deferred consideration of Ryan's amendment on student contributions until the Senate inquiry concluded.

Opposition response

Julian Leeser (Shadow Attorney-General; Shadow Minister for the Arts) Liberal Berowra

Leeser moved an amendment to replace the bill's national tertiary education objective with one focused on teaching excellence, research, productivity, and Australian values. Leeser argued the current draft forced the regulator to consider irrelevant factors like environmental sustainability, exposing decisions to legal challenges. Leeser contended that the proposed objective better reflected the core functions of tertiary education and aligned with concerns raised by the National Tertiary Education Union. Leeser urged the government to support the amendment to ensure the regulator focused on relevant educational outcomes.