Opened the debate
Clare moved that the Senate amendments be agreed to, acknowledging the work of senators and members who contributed to the bill's development. The member argued that the changes would enable the Australian Tertiary Education Commission to initiate its own advice to ministers and strengthen its role regarding research and training. Clare noted that the amendments would allow for the appointment of part-time commissioners and explicitly recognise the public good of higher education and academic freedom. The member also stated that the changes required the establishment of a committee with appropriate expertise to advise on the Higher Education Standards Framework.