Ms Clare Austick:

I thank the committee for this opportunity to speak today. I would like to touch on a couple of points. The first is ensuring that the voices of students and staff are heard, and that there is adequate and meaningful representation of students and staff on governing bodies and they are consulted on and listened to in the different processes.

Senator Malcolm Byrne mentioned the governing authority and the number of union representatives on it. I acknowledge that there is a difference between being a student representative and being a governor of an institution, be that a university, a college or whatever. In terms of higher education institutions, they often set values and strategic priorities which pertain to students, including student well-being, engagement, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, which are important areas for students in terms of input. Students will be able to have their say and encourage and further the mission and purpose of the higher education institution.

There is one other concern I would like to raise. With this Bill we have an opportunity to look at how we define and pigeonhole higher education. It is important for all of us to remember that education is a right, not a privilege. Students should have access to education and be aided and supported in that entry through sustainable funding to allow them to be able to progress to education and also to be able to continue in the lifelong journey around education.

I again thank the committee for this opportunity. I remind everyone that with this Bill we have a real opportunity to review how we think about education and how as a country and society we define the purpose of higher education. Through student engagement and participation and ensuring that the student voice is heard we can enhance that journey going forward.