Australian Tertiary Education Commission releases Interim Statement of Strategic Priorities

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) has released its Interim Statement of Strategic Priorities, outlining its initial areas of focus as it begins work as system steward and prepares for mission‑based compacts with higher education providers from 2027.  

At the centre of the statement is a system-wide objective to “lift educational attainment and expand lifelong learning opportunities,” aligned with the Government’s target of 80% of working‑age Australians holding a Certificate III or above by 2050. 

ATEC has identified six priorities that will frame policy development, system oversight and provider performance: 

• National, state/territory and regional priorities: A focus on aligning system growth with workforce needs, including priority sectors such as health, education, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals, digital and technology, housing and construction, and climate and Net Zero transformation. 

• First Nations: Embedding First Nations leadership and self‑determination, with an expectation of sustained improvement in access, participation, and attainment outcomes. 

• Equity: Expanding participation and success for under‑represented groups, supported by funding reforms and clearer accountability for outcomes. 

• Quality teaching: Strengthening the quality and professional recognition of teaching, with a focus on student‑centred approaches and evolving skill needs. 

• A joined‑up tertiary system: Improving alignment between VET and higher education, including development of a Tertiary Roadmap and a national credit recognition framework to support learner mobility. 

• Research: Supporting internationally competitive research and research training aligned with national innovation priorities. 

The interim statement is intended as an initial framework. ATEC will develop a more detailed, statutory Statement of Strategic Priorities later in 2026, informed by broader consultation, which is expected to be released in January 2027. The next iteration of the document will outline the Commission’s assessment of system challenges and opportunities and guide future compact negotiations. Further guidance material will also be released to support providers in translating these priorities into their institutional strategies and 2027 compacts.