Opened the debate
Chisholm supported the bills as essential steps to implement the Australian Universities Accord, aiming to increase the proportion of Australians with tertiary qualifications from 60 percent to 80 percent by 2050. Chisholm argued that the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission would provide independent stewardship to break down barriers between vocational and higher education and improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Chisholm highlighted that the government had already implemented many Accord recommendations, including doubling regional study hubs, introducing paid practical training for health and social work students, and scrapping the 50 percent pass rate rule. Chisholm noted that the commission would oversee demand-driven equity funding and needs-based support, similar to the Gonski model for schools, to ensure students from poorer families could complete their degrees.