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[POLITICS] · Australia · 3 sources

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Universities Australia chair calls for protected autonomy

Carolyn Evans, chair of Universities Australia, is calling for the federal government to provide legislative protection for university autonomy. Speaking at the National Press Club, Evans warned that increasing regulation and the creation of new federal bureaucracies are narrowing the ability of institutions to make independent decisions.

Evans also addressed the potential impact of proposed migration cuts by major political parties, including Labor, the Coalition, and One Nation. She cautioned that significantly reducing the intake of international students could threaten the financial sustainability of the higher education sector and create ripple effects in industries such as tourism, health, aged care, and long-term diplomacy.

Additionally, the sector's peak body criticized existing policies, such as the Job-ready Graduates program, for failing to meet modern workforce needs and leaving universities chronically underfunded. Evans argued for a clearer debate regarding the boundaries of government oversight versus institutional independence.

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Carolyn Evans · Labor Party · National Press Club · One Nation · Universities Australia

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