Chair’s Welcome
By Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM ATN Universities Chair & Curtin University Vice-Chancellor
2024 was a memorable year for the ATN Universities group as we marked our 25th anniversary. A quarter century ago on February 11, 1999 – our original group of Vice-Chancellors - Denise Bradley from the University of South Australia, Lance Twomey of Curtin University, David Beanland from RMIT University, Tony Blake from the University of Technology Sydney and Dennis Gibson from the Queensland University of Technology, met to sign an agreement to establish the ATN group.
We celebrated this milestone with events across the year including our National Symposium and the launch of the ATN25 history book. These events provided us with opportunities to explore and restate our purpose - that we are here for the public good, and good of the sector. We capped off the celebrations with an anniversary dinner in Canberra in October that was attended by our Minister, the Honourable Jason Clare.
These memorable moments reinforced that, over the past 25 years, the ATN universities have remained steadfastly committed to preparing people from all walks of life for productive and happy careers and to undertake research that makes a difference. We are rightly proud of the high levels of employment that our graduates enjoy and the way in which our research is helping to solve the problems we face in our communities, our nation, and around the world.
The Universities Accord has set an ambitious agenda for reform. At the ATN, we are uniquely placed to do some of the heavy lifting that is required to realise the Accord’s vision to generate the knowledge, skills and research our nation needs to prosper in the years to come.
Equity and access have always been at the heart of our mission. ATN universities have long advocated that education is a right, not a privilege, and we have taken significant steps to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to access higher education. We evaluate our success not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed.
In this time of significant change in our sector, ATN is prepared to lead the way. We recognise the role that regulation plays in a well-managed system, and we will work closely with Government to develop a measured approach to international education in the context of our missions and impact. We will also collaborate to solve the other critical issues facing our sector including funding, equity student participation and success, and student safety.
2024 was also a year of change for the team at ATN. We said goodbye, and thank you, to Luke Sheehy, who served ATN Universities with distinction over his time with us. We wish Luke well as CEO of Universities Australia. Following Luke’s departure, Frank Coletta successfully stewarded the team for several months, and we welcomed our new Executive Director, Dr Ant Bagshaw, in June.
In conclusion, over the past 25 years, the core of ATN’s success has been the spirit of collaboration. We are proud to be known as a group of trusted friends.
As individual universities, we are strong. But, as a network, we are even stronger. It is my hope that in 25 years’ time, the Chair of the ATN has an opportunity to reflect on the game-changing work we undertook, just as we have reflected on the achievements of the past quarter century.
I hope you enjoy reviewing the work of ATN Universities in the 2024 Annual Report.
The ATN Universities Vice-Chancellors pictured with Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, at the ATN25 Anniversary Dinner on October 9 in Canberra. From left to right: Professor Alec Cameron (RMIT University), Professor Alex Zelinsky AO (The University of Newcastle), Minister Jason Clare, Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM (Curtin University), Dr Ant Bagshaw (ATN Executive Director) and Professor Andrew Parfitt (University Technology Sydney). Professor David Lloyd (University of South Australia) seen below during his National Press Club appearance and Professor Iain Martin (Deakin University) pictured with Governor of Victoria, Professor Margaret Gardner AC, at the Deakin-India 30 year celebration, were unable to attend the anniversary dinner.
1. About ATN
The Australian Technology Network of Universities was established in 1999 and over the past 25 years has built great trust as a peak body and as a leader in the higher-education sector. We’re the representative voice for Australia’s leading technology universities - Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia and University of Technology Sydney – a group of closely aligned institutions who are focused on enterprise, impact and finding solutions to the biggest challenges facing our economy and society.
The ATN Universities directorate actively works to shape positive policy outcomes and foster impactful research, while being dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion and social justice. We have built enduring partnerships in political ranks, with our sectoral friends and increasingly with industry, and our policy influence was clearly evident in many of key recommendations included in the Universities Accord Final Report.
ATN’s member universities invest $1.7 billion in research annually and have forged strategic research alliances, creating new opportunities for jobs in the Australian and global economies, and helping solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. ATN is also proud to deliver innovative education programs with distinctive outcomes, giving graduates skills and capabilities to envision and shape the future. Our deep commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice continues to drive our mission to effect positive change. We graduate high proportions of students in key disciplines that are strategically important to Australia, including 36% of all university students in Architecture and Building, and 26% of students in Engineering and Related Technologies. The 25-year history of the ATN group of universities is built on real trust and collaboration – long may it continue.
16.4% from low SES backgrounds 20% of Australian domestic students
300,000+ 22,500 Students Staff International students 18% TOTAL 24% students with disabilities
from non-English speaking backgrounds 21%
25% Creative arts students of women in non-traditional study areas of all Australia’s First Nations students in higher education
3. Our Member Committees
The ATN directorate coordinates and convenes several groups and committees on behalf of our member universities from the Vice-Chancellors, to the Policy Advisory Group and Deputy ViceChancellors.
Following are summaries from each of those groups.
Vice-Chancellors
ATN’s Vice-Chancellors took assertive policy positions this year, notably advocating for universities to have their international student populations capped at 35%. This, along with other pragmatic and principled approaches to policy engagement, marked out ATN as a group willing to put forward ideas in an attempt to chart a more positive future for the sector. The ViceChancellors played a vital role in contributing to the Universities Accord, and the subsequent implementation of its Final Report recommendations. They also endorsed a new strategy for ATN Universities to articulate its core purpose, identify key areas of common ambition across the membership, and describe how the directorate works with members to effect change.
Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Academic/Education)
In early 2024, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Academic/Education) committed to activities throughout the year which aligned to the strategic goals within the ATN Academic Strategy and connected directly with with Universities Accord Final Report recommendations. They actively contributed to the ATN policy submissions and led a discovery tour to New Zealand to better understand what makes an effective Tertiary Education Commission; and facilitated a sectorwide discussion on the key role of partnerships in improving the speed and focus on meeting high impact skills needs with an online ATN25 National Symposium on Curriculum Innovation (Industry-engaged curricula) and a digital booklet of case studies from ATN universities. Our Deputy Vice-Chancellors have also fostered opportunities for academic research collaboration across ATN universities, leveraging the ACSES Large Grant Research Program as a catalyst for conversations with colleagues.
Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International)
Over the course of 2024, ATN Universities’ Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International) met regularly to discuss international education policy matters and strengthen collaboration. Under their guidance, ATN Universities has engaged in extensive advocacy this year, including on key policy settings under the Strategic Framework on International Education and Skills and accompanying ESOS legislation, reviews of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme review and the Migration Points Test, and the development of an Economic Roadmap for India. Our Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International) have also worked closely with key government departments, including the Departments of Education, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and AusTrade. This has ensured the expertise of the ATN network - particularly on transnational education given our vast presence overseas - has been reflected in policy design and communications.
Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research)
In 2024, ATN Universities’ Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Research) concentrated on pivotal areas of research development and collaboration. They provided the guidance on key priorities, such as advocating for HDR student equity and research funding as part of the Universities Accord Final Report recommendations and active engagement in consultations around ATEC and its role in research. The current activities undertaken by ATN Universities in support of the committee include investigating the harmonisation of career pathways across ATN member universities, establishing and running the ATN Research Directors Network, as well as exploring opportunities for collaboration amongst member universities across the areas of research translation and commercialisation, Artifical Intelligence (AI) and AUKUS.
Graduate Deans of Research
The ATN Graduate Deans of Research met quarterly throughout 2024 and have continued to support the ongoing delivery of the ATN Frontiers program, achieving 708 enrolments and awarding 322 digital certificates for HDR candidates from Q1-Q3 2024 (at at October 2024). They actively shared good practice, including HDR internships and how they are building research capability and capacity within their teams. They are currently exploring opportunities for collective action with a focus on creating a network for professional staff within ATN Graduate Research Schools, enhancing staff capabilities and fostering a sense of community among peers across ATN universities.
Policy Advisory Group
Throughout 2024, the ATN Policy Advisory Group, alongside the Directorate, was actively engaged in a range of policy initiatives. To enhance its operations and effectiveness, the group developed Terms of Reference that promote flexibility and agility, maintaining their informal approach and ensuring open discussions. Key areas of focus included the Universities Accord Final Report recommendations, where the group contributed to submissions on Managed Growth Funding, Needs-based Funding, and the Student Support and Other Measures Bill, as well as the National Student Ombudsman Bill, in collaboration with various DVC groups. In addition, significant advocacy efforts were directed toward the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, as well as international matters, working closely with the ATN Universities’ Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International).
Planning Group
In September 2024, the ATN Planning Group reconvened after an 11-month hiatus. The group is currently focused on several key areas, including the international student caps and its impact on member universities, as well as a data sharing agreement and exploration of potential collaborative projects among ATN universities. Looking ahead, the group is planning an in-person strategy day in early 2025, potentially around the Universities Australia Summit, to discuss a pipeline of future projects.
Media, Marketing and Communication Units Group
Our MMCU team from across the membership has more than 30 members and meets on the third Tuesday of each month. It is an open forum where senior representatives freely discuss pertinent, current matters across the breadth of strategic communications. Discussions included the recent focus of media, policy and political landscapes and, where they often share anecdotal evidence and opinions and offer advice to colleagues. There is a strong collaboration across the respective units including, most recently, a combined ATN Universities brief provided to the Tech Council of Australia for its November summit in Melbourne in which members each provided case studies on how tech is impacting industries across the national economy and in which our institutions have demonstrated innovative use of technology.
4. Timeline
January
• Executive Director Luke Sheehy leaves ATN to take up the position of Chief Executive at Universities Australia
2024
March
• ATN’s Science & Technology Australia LGBTQIA+ Scholarship awarded to Michelle Sims
• ATN – Lygon Group International Education Forum in Melbourne
• ATN senior team at Curtin University and APAIE Conference 2024 in Perth
May
• Meeting with Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Canberra
• ATN25 Annual Summit – National Symposium Curriculum Innovation, keynote address by Professor Barney Glover AO
• Delivery of ATN Digital Marketing Strategy
• ATN in Federal Budget lock-up
• ATN on Access, Achievement, Accord (ACSES) Student Equity Symposium panel
February
• Official launch of new ATN Universities website in Melbourne
• First ATN Vice-Chancellors meeting of 2024, in person in Canberra
• ATN responds to Universities Accord Final Report
• Chair and ED meeting with Education Minister Jason Clare
• First in series of ATN25 podcasts with HE journalists
• Media Marketing & Communication Intern joins ATN
April
• Visit by the UK’s Universities Alliance coordinated by ATN across Perth, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney
• ATN Programs Coordinator appointed
• ATN Perspectives podcast with Dr Julia Cook (The University of Newcastle) and Jasmyne Tweed (Curtin University)
• ATN Graduate Deans of Research meeting during QPR (Quality in Post Graduate Research) Conference in Adelaide
July
• Op-Ed in The Australian from ED: Changing nature of higher ed sector
• ATN ED listed by The PIE as one of the Top 50 Voices of 2024 Asia Pacific List
2024 cont’d
September
• ATN25 Book Launch in Melbourne
• ATN Vice-Chancellors meeting in person in Canberra
• ED on panel at Future Campus HE Fest in Adelaide
• ED appearance at ESOS Senate Inquiry in Sydney
• First ATN Research Directors Meeting
• Global Graduates Campaign launched, online and podcast
• THE Campus Live panel moderated by ATN Director of International Policy
November
• ATN25 Panel at UTS – What is the future for Higher Education - Sydney
• Deputy ED facilitator at Tech Council Partners Forum in Melbourne
• Appointment of new ATN Governance Officer
• Appointment of new ATN Executive Director, Dr Ant Bagshaw
• ED undertakes visits to ATN campuses across Australia June
August
• ATN Frontiers Showcase and Corporate Affairs Workshop at The University of Newcastle’s HDR Student Festival
• ED speaks at AFR Summit – ‘A Rethink of Business Models’ panel in Sydney
• ATN DVC/A/E Committee visit to New Zealand universities – Auckland University of Technology, University of Otago and University of Canterbury
• ED evidence at Senate Inquiry into the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity)
• Dr Janet Yeo joins ATN’s Melbourne office as Director of Policy
October
• ATN25 Anniversary Dinner with keynote address by the Hon. Jason Clare MP in Canberra
• Official launch of ATN25 History Video
• ATN Op-Ed by Chair for Future Campus
• ATN Vice-Chancellors meeting, in person in Canberra
5. 2024 In Focus
JANUARY
Despite the first month having a reputation for being slower than normal, for our directorate and our universities it was anything but, as there was still much to do in prepration for 2024. Our team worked tirelessly over the preceding months across a range of issues and it prepared us well, with eyes firmly focused on the soon-to-be-released Universities Accord.
The year began with a change at the helm of ATN, with Luke Sheehy taking on the leadership of Universities Australia and Frank Coletta taking over as Interim Executive Director.
The ATN Universities directorate team pictured at the 25th anniversary dinner in Canberra on October 9.
FEBRUARY
This month was particularly significant as we officially celebrated our 25th anniversary (on the 11th of February) with the the launch of our all-new website and the first of our ATN25 themed podcasts for the year. We were joined on the program by two of Australia’s leading Higher Education journalists - Tim Dodd from The Australian and Caitlin Cassidy of The Guardian Australia.
We were in the room as the 400+ page strong Accord, and its 47 recommendations, was revealed. The final report coincided with the annual Universities Australia conference in Canberra and ATN joined sectoral colleagues in Parliament House to hear Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Chair of the Australian Universities Accord expert panel, outline those key recommendations. On review, it became quickly apparent that many aspects of the Accord were the embodiment of the ATN group, what we stand for and what we aim to deliver – equitable access and student success. Equity has been and will remain a central part of our DNA: it’s who we are. Our team was on hand in Canberra to provide prompt and detailed Accord analysis and policy insight to our member universities and committees. Our Vice-Chancellors also held their face-to-face meeting meeting of the year in Canberra and we met with Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP and his senior advisers in his parliamentary office.
We also welcomed to the ATN family two new starters in the Melbourne office, Brittney O’Neill as Programs and Office Coordinator, in a temporary capacity, and Alessia Zugaro as our new Intern in Media, Marketing and Communication.
Our group of Vice-Chancellors pictured above held the first of several face-to-face meetings in 2024 in Canberra in February, which coincided with the release of the Universities Accord final report.
MARCH
One of the highlights of the month of March was when the ATN-sponsored Science & Technology Australia LGBTQIA+ Scholarship was awarded to Michelle Sims. Michelle was featured in the ATN Advocate telling us about her love for science, why she’s passionate about environmental toxicology and her work as the scholarship winner. Our team members across the country also had very little time to catch their collective breath as we began preparations to welcome our UK University Alliance partners and their future leaders on a visit of several of our campuses. At the same time, the first meeting of the National Research and Innovation Alliance was undertaken.
We also welcomed Shilpa Pullela to the team as our Director of International Policy and her first assignment, on day one, was to fly to Perth to represent ATN at the APAIE Conference, co-hosted by Curtin University.
Whenever possible, the ATN groups and committees look for opportunities to collaborate in person. Here members of the DVC-R group including Kate McGrath (University of Technology Sydney), Warwick Dawson (The University of Newcastle), Lindy Fitzgerald (Curtin University), Calum Drummond AO (RMIT University) and, on screen, Marnie HughesWarrington AO (University of South Australia) are pictured with ATN representatives Mark Warburton and Rachel Mason, during one of those meetings early in 2024 in Canberra.
APRIL
ATN was asked to appear on a panel for the Australian Business Deans Council, the representative body for Australian business schools, talking all things Accord with colleagues Vicki Thomson (CEO, Group of Eight) and Paul Harris (Executive Director, IRU) and to catch up with all peak body leaders at a post-Accord discussion convened by the team at Universities Australia. We were delighted to officially open registrations for our annual summit, the ATN25 National Symposium – Curriculum Innovation which would focus on the key role of partnerships to meet skills gaps in Australia’s workforce.
Our long-time international partners, the UK University Alliance, representing 16 of the UK’s leading professional and technical universities began their tour of our campuses. The jam-packed schedule of visits across some of our member universities was part of the joint Future Leaders Program. ATN would like to express a heartfelt thank you to our member universities for the warm welcome and hospitality provided to our University Alliance partners and their future leaders during their visit.
The visit commenced in Perth at Curtin University, followed by visits to RMIT University and Deakin University in Melbourne, before winding up proceedings in New South Wales with trips to The University of Newcastle and University of Technology Sydney. The program was a smashing success and the high-quality, detailed presentations, along with several ideas tabled for future partnerships, left our friends in awe of the strength of our network of institutions. We were also pleased to welcome Zillah Hansen, appointed to the role of full-time Programs Coordinator in the Melbourne office.
The UK’s University Alliance, led by CEO Vanessa Wilson (third from right, front row) spent more than a week visiting the ATN universities’ campuses and the UTS stop (pictured) was the final destination after time spent at Curtin, RMIT, Deakin and Newcastle.
MAY
We were privileged to attend the 2024 Europe Day Reception by the Ambassador of the European Union to Australia, His Excellency Mr Gabriele Visentin. One of the hot topics discussed was increasing trade across the waters, with an expectation that the globalisation of education will remain at the forefront of collaborative opportunities.
In that same period, we were also in the Canberra studios of Newcast to host the latest in our ATN25 series of events, our annual summit, the ATN25 National Symposium Curriculum Innovation. ATN thanks all the participants for their time and expertise, led masterfully by new Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover AO.
Our esteemed panel members and speakers included:
• Professor Kylie Readman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
• Kate Pounder, one of Australia’s foremost thought-leaders from the Tech Sector
• Craig Robertson, CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority
• Professor Sherman Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at RMIT University
• Dr Suneeti Rekhari, Director Educational Quality at TAFE NSW, and
• Professor Liz Johnson, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Deakin University
The program was as follows:
• Keynote address: Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia
• In-studio facilitator: Frank Coletta (ATN Universities – Executive Director, Interim)
• Panel discussion chaired by Prof Kylie Readman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education and Students) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
• Ideation session facilitated by Prof Liz Johnson Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Deakin University, Dr Suneeti Rekhari of TAFE NSW, and Dr Dee Halil of ATN
The symposium, which took place just before the 2024 Federal Budget, successfully brought together leaders from tertiary education, industry and government for a solutions-focused discussion on the role and impact of industry-engaged curricula in meeting the emerging skills needed for a thriving economy. Our audience members provided valuable insights and questions, as we discussed and debated, all with great energy and respect, the crucial role of strong partnerships in order for us to meet the skills gaps in Australia’s current and future workforce.
In that same month, we were pleased to join representatives from across the sector to be provided with an update at the TEQSA Peak Body Annual Strategic Dialogue and a departmental briefing on opportunities for our members regarding focus areas for Australia’s Economic Accelerator.
JUNE
We welcomed Dr Ant Bagshaw as our new Executive Director. He said he was delighted to take on the role and to be working with Government and our partners – across, and beyond, the sector – to advocate for our member universities. Ant commented that the Federal Budget offered concrete steps on the implementation of the Universities Accord, and that our network was well-positioned for the future of tertiary education in Australia. Prac payments and HECSHELP relief were singled out as valuable support for our students to succeed, in their study and after they graduate. The ambitions of A Future Made in Australia also clearly aligned with our shared commitment to backing innovative Australian ideas.
The hottest topic as we arrived at mid-point of 2024, was international students.
“We need to secure a stable and sustainable settlement from the draft international education framework and proposed legislative changes. I’m grateful to all the members who have engaged in the detail of our recommendations that the sector needs effective transitional arrangements, and recognition that constraints on recruitment have consequences for all students and for our research activities. We look forward to continuing our constructive approach to find solutions which work for all stakeholders,” Ant told members.
JULY
The ATN directorate was extremely active in this month ensuring that members’ interests were advanced with policymakers and politicians. Across the senior leadership team we met with Government advisors, the Opposition and extensively also with public servants to press our case across a number of crucial policy areas. Key to these discussions were international students, both the acute issue in the sector of delayed and refused visas, and the longer-term question of the position of international students within Australian universities.
We made strong submissions to Government on the future framework for international students, and to Parliament on the related amendments to the ESOS Act. We also wrote to Minister Clare to advocate for a practical agreement around any future caps on the proportion of international students. Separately, we responded to the consultation on the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence and we began developing our positions on further government consultations, including those on the proposed Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) and a new approach to funding domestic student places. As one of the first items of business our new ED also undertook a series of visits to ATN campuses across the country to meet members of the senior leadership teams.
AUGUST
We began August by engaging with the Australian Department of Education on the draft proposals for implementing key elements of the Universities Accord, outlining our concerns that the proposals – for a Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Managed Growth, and Needs-Based Funding – needed more work to realise the full ambitions outlined in the Accord.
A study tour to universities in New Zealand was undertaken by our ATN Deputy ViceChancellors-Academic/Education to capture perspectives on what makes an effective Tertiary Education Commission, including the principles and approaches applied to increase participation and outcomes of those furthest from opportunity with a specific focus on Indigenous peoples (Māori and Pacific Islanders). The fact-finder included visits to the Auckland University of Technology, Otago University and the University of Canterbury, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor at each institution, and meetings with a number of senior executives.
That same month members of the ATN team joined The University of Newcastle in celebrating their 2024 HDR Student Festival at the Callaghan campus. The ATN Programs crew facilitated a panel with past and current Frontiers students, Daisy Nugent and Hollie Mclachlan, to help inform prospective students. Programs Director, Dr Dee Halil, and Programs Coordinator, Zillah Hansen, run ATN’s program portfolio and Frontiers is available exclusively for HDR students at ATN member universities. The discussion delivered great insight into how the Frontiers program is actively connecting students from across our member institutions and providing them with tangible skills that enhance their PhD experience. Deputy Executive Director, Frank Coletta, Marketing and Communications Officer, Ryan Hall, and Media, Marketing and Communications Intern, Alessia Zugaro, also spent valuable time on campus, connecting with the Corporate Affairs and Social Media teams led by Lou Morrissey, Director of Communications and Engagement and Anita Harvey, Communications Manager, including the delivery of a Knowledge Sharing Workshop and an ATN25 networking event.
In August we were also pleased to welcome to the Melbourne team ATN’s new Director of Policy, Janet Yeo.
SEPTEMBER
The month of September began with concerted advocacy on critical international policy issues. Our ED twice gave evidence to the Senate Inquiry examining amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislation to impose caps on international students. Ant argued for certain, stable and predictable policy settings, and for Ministerial Direction 107 to be removed as a matter of urgency. Moving forward, we committed to focusing on clarifying the definitions that will be used for exemptions to caps, and working with relevant government agencies on messaging to manage impacts to Australia’s international reputation.
We were also pleased to launch our Global Graduates series, which showcased some exceptional people who have studied at our member universities as international students – a campaign which was warmly embraced across the membership. ATN is indebted to our universities’ former students – Abid Khan, Sandy Chong, Yohanes Wondimkun, Madhavi Shankar, Sam Saili and Samim Sultani – who have all trod remarkable paths; founding companies, conducting research and championing social causes from women’s empowerment to Indigenous participation. Their stories reminded us that the contributions of international students continue well beyond the period of their studies. They forged careers in Australia and the region, maintained friendships and other links to Australia, and have become ambassadors for international education. The series included online stories across our various platforms and website, mainstream media coverage and a podcast.
And to cap off September, the ATN25 book authored by Angel Calderon (pictured above with our ED Ant Bagshaw), RMIT’s well-respected and widely-admired commentator in the higher education sector, and edited by our Deputy ED, Frank Coletta, was launched at The Old Chapel in Melbourne. Angel’s insights on ATN over the past 25 years paint a colourful picture of the group’s history and our commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the entire sector.
Our author pointed specifically to ATN’s achievements in:
• Democratising research endeavours and research training in Australia
• Broadening pathways into STEM disciplines, and
• Creating opportunities for tertiary education access and participation, particularly among those from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds.
OCTOBER
Following the launch of our book, we then formally marked our 25th year and celebrated in style at the ATN25 Anniversary Dinner held in the National Ballroom at Hotel Realm Canberra. We heard a passionate speech from Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare MP, who spoke of the value of education to transform lives, and of the approaches and programs in our member universities which provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to benefit from higher education.
Our chair, Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM, made the case for ATN as a network committed to the public good and devoted to the success of the whole higher education sector. She said: “We now need to work to rebuild an innovative and equitable higher education system of which Australians can rightly be proud. We must rebuild trust with policymakers and governments. We need to work with both our champions and our critics across the political spectrum, in the media and, most importantly, in the community at large.”
The event provided our Vice-Chancellors another opportunity to get together and hold a meeting in the nation’s capital where the concept of a White Paper on international education was born. This will be developed and published in early 2025.
6. Op Eds
ATN has long been renowned for delivering thought leadership on key issues affecting higher education. Here we reproduce two articles which were published in 2024, beginning with our Chair’s call to action, urging the sector to work to harder to become a stronger, more united force and explaining how ATN will take the lead.
In February 1999, the founding group of Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) Vice-Chancellors met to sign an agreement to establish the peak body which I am proud to lead today as Chair.
Although much has changed across the education landscape, the reason why we are here has not. Over the past 25 years, the ATN universities have remained steadfastly committed to preparing people from all walks of life for productive and happy careers and to undertake research that makes a difference. We are rightly proud of the high levels of employment that our graduates enjoy and the way in which our research is helping to solve the problems we face in our communities, our nation, and around the world.
Over the past 25 years, we have responded to waves of reforms, and the latest set is rolling in at a rapid rate. But no matter how much it is tweaked, the fundamental funding model of Australian universities has peculiar limitations that few commercial operations could survive—a model where we have no control over the price we can charge domestic students or how many domestic students we can teach.
These strict controls on price and volume have led many Australian universities to pull the only lever left to their control—the recruitment of international students. International student fees are now critical to many universities. These fees were initially used to fill the gap to fund research and infrastructure, but they are now required to fill other gaps, including the provision of quality education and services for our domestic students.
In the face of these significant challenges, the university sector in Australia has not always covered itself in glory. The recent scuffle over international student caps is just one, albeit very prominent, example of the way in which the individual interests of some universities have begun to trump student need, public good, and best practice. We now need to work to rebuild an innovative and equitable higher education system of which Australians can rightly be proud. We must rebuild trust with policymakers and governments. We need to work with both our champions and our critics across the political spectrum, in the media and, most importantly, in the community at large.
ATN is prepared to lead the way on these issues. Recognising the role that caps play in a well-managed system, we will work closely with Government to develop a measured approach to international education. We will also collaborate to solve other issues facing our sector including funding, regulation, and student safety.
The Universities Accord recognised the need for change, setting an ambitious agenda for reform. As a sector, we must be prepared to lean in and heartily support good policy and to offer helpful, real-world solutions where and when we believe improvements are needed.
Let’s focus on fostering an environment where students are best prepared for the workforce - equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and adapt to an ever-evolving world. A blend of academic excellence and practical application has been key to ATN members’ success, the envy of many institutions across the world; it’s an approach that enables our students to thrive in their work and in their lives.
The ATN Vice-Chancellors feel enormously privileged to lead a highly committed workforce – colleagues who show up each day dedicated to the creation of new knowledge through research, to the dissemination of new knowledge through teaching, and the use of new knowledge to solve the challenges facing our communities, our nation, and the rest of the world. We should never lose sight of our privilege nor of the obligations that come with it.
Prof Harlene Hayne CNZM ATN Chair & Vice-Chancellor Curtin University
Leaders from the Australian Technology Network’s six member universities have written to Education Minister Jason Clare to advocate for a pragmatic solution on international student caps.
They recognise that the Government seeks to manage the system in a way which avoids over-concentration of international students, and which promotes the integrity, sustainability and diversity within Australian higher education. We don’t need micromanagement of enrolments by program of study. It’s controls at the level of the whole institution which make most sense.
Setting a limit - where around one in three students comes from overseas - should provide confidence to the public that Australian universities are striving for Australians. We know that international students enrich our institutions through global perspectives, and that their choice to study in Australia means that our universities are more financially resilient.
International students’ tuition fees support our universities to provide an excellent education for domestic and international students alike, to invest in essential capital works so that our universities have world-class facilities, and to pay for the research from which we all benefit.
This proposal sits in context. The Government has announced its plans for “managed growth targets” for domestic students, and has revealed some of the shape of the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).
Anyone who has been following the Universities Accord process knows that change is upon us. The changes to the sector are for a more managed system, one with greater planning and “system stewardship”. This is not a wholesale rejection of the market principles which have dominated Australian higher education in recent years, but it provides for a rebalancing. No longer are market mechanisms the dominant policy approach.
If this is the settlement for our universities, we need to seek reasonable ways of working with governments to find policy solutions. One part of that jigsaw puzzle is international students, but all the pieces need to come together.
The Universities Accord outlines in detail the challenges facing universities if they are to grow enrolments to educate students for the jobs of the future, and to fund the true costs of the research which is vital for innovation and social progress.
We have been promised a new settlement on needs-based funding for domestic students to ensure that universities have the resources they need to help every student to succeed. And we look forward to the vital review of research funding.
Given that not all the pieces are yet in place, we’re experiencing acute turbulence in the policy environment.
For the new system to work, we need to smooth the transition, and not to lose what is great about our universities. Right now, we need more certainty for students applying for visas, confidence that those visa applications will be processed efficiently and fairly, and the consequent stability for institutions.
Universities need time to adapt to new models.
This is not simply pleading for a delay for its own sake, but a genuine need based on the long cycles in which university recruitment and admissions work. We must have time to adjust and plan for the new conditions.
We understand that universities will have agreements with the ATEC to set enrolment targets for domestic students, and limits for international enrolments. While those negotiations need to be nuanced for individual institutions, overarching goals – like a 35 per cent cap on international enrolments – help shape the parameters of the discussion.
At ATN, we look forward to working with government to ensure that the package of reforms works holistically. Our universities seek to understand this reform agenda, to inform it where we can, and to work in partnership to deliver what society needs.
We’ll continue to look for ways in which the whole sector can thrive, and with every institution fulfilling its unique mission. But we won’t just argue for the status quo.
Dr Ant Bagshaw Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities
7. Media Moments
Reach of up to...
100,000
LinkedIn members
Organic post views on LinkedIn ALMOST 2000 185,568 INCREASE OF NEARLY 70%
LinkedIn subscribers to the ATN Advocate newsletter
Interactions with new ATN website 153,000
30%
Increase across ATN social channels
LinkedIn followers in 2024
Website page views 55,360
3RD in sectoral share of voice in media
Views of our Global Graduates series NEARLY 200,000
RECORD NUMBER OF 360 DOWNLOADS
1,114 ATN Perspectives podcast downloads for Universities Accord episode with Megan Lilly of Ai Group and Janine Dixon from Victoria University
4,451 Downloads in podcast’s lifetime
8. Policy Review
January
• Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education
• Pre-Budget 2024-25 Submission
• Senate Inquiry into Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill
April
• Review of the National Competitive Grants Program Discussion Paper
June
• Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework
• National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence
• AQF Level 7 apprenticeship pathway for VET
August
• Review of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme
• A New Economic Roadmap for India
• Managed Growth Funding and Needs-Based Funding
October
• National Student Ombudsman Bill
• TEQSA fees and charges consultation
2024
February
• Senate Inquiry into Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill
• Department of Education’s consultation on the National Skills Passport
May
• Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence
• Review of the Migration Points Test
• Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program
July
• ESOS legislative amendments
September
• Student Support and Other Measures Bill
November
• New Colombo Plan
9. Engaging with Frontiers
Designed to prepare ATN Higher Degree by Research students for maximum impact in their careers.
The ATN Frontiers program is entering its fourth year, having engaged HDR candidates for the first time in 2021 with the pilot deliveries of the first three online short courses of the program. The program has been designed to develop the skills and capabilities that allow graduates to better imagine, understand and effectively shape the future – not simply understand the present.
The program is offered to all higher degree by research (HDR) students at ATN universities via our network of ATN HDR Development teams, with each short course delivered up to 4 times each calendar year.
Suite of 12 online modules
The program consists of a suite of online short courses across two levels – Foundations of the Future (10 hours of learning across 4-8 weeks) and My Future Master Classes (15 hours of learning across 3-4 weeks) – with a third and final capstone experience being designed in 2025.
LEVEL 1 FOUNDATIONS
LEVEL 2 MASTER CLASSES
Student Engagement
Since the first cohort of students in late 2021, the program has achieved 2554 enrolments (as of October 2024) and awarded 1046 digital certificates for successful completion of individual modules.
Enrolments Digital Certificates
2,554
What students say
1,046
Registrations of Interest in 2024 from across ATN Universities: 617 unique individuals, total
Curtin: Deakin: RMIT:
In each delivery period throughout 2024, enrolled students were invited to evaluate their learning experience. We’ve received a total of 174 responses (as of October 2024) with 91% of students scoring the program a minimum of 7 out of 10 (scale of 0-10) when asked how likely they were to recommend the courses to their friend or colleague, 97% of students found the content interesting and 94% learnt a lot from the experience.
I enjoyed the flexibility and accessibility of the online format, which allowed me to learn at my own pace and on my own schedule. The use of multimedia content and interactive exercises kept me engaged, while the discussion forums provided a valuable opportunity for interaction and collaboration with other learners. (Future of Data Student, 2024)
The ability to learn at my own pace was invaluable, allowing me to fit the coursework into my schedule seamlessly. (Future of Data Student, 2024)
I found this module really fascinating as I’ve never investigated these ideas. I’m already thinking of ways to implement some of these ideas and frameworks in my own area of study. (Future of Leadership Student, 2024)
I liked how there were activities interspersed that allowed me to actually review my project and apply what I have learned from this class to what I am actually doing. (Future of Project Management Student, 2024)
It was very convenient to do this from home. The gaps between the sessions were enough to stay on top of the work while keeping up with the work on my thesis. (Future of Communication Student, 2024)
As with all Frontiers courses I’ve done so far, I found this module to be a great mix of theory, practice, serious and unserious. The content is delivered in a lighthearted, enjoyable way. There is emphasis on bringing resources you probably don’t know about, and new ways of thinking about existing concepts. (Future of Collaboration Student, 2024)
10. ATN25 Anniversary Dinner
What a night it was for the centrepiece event in the ATN25 celebrations. The gathering of our Vice-Chancellors (pictured below), past and present ATN Universities alumni, representatives of different political persuasions, departmental leaders, many of our long-time partners, sectoral friends and higher education media gurus, was a memorable one.
The setting was the National Ballroom, Hotel Realm in Canberra, the keynote speech was delivered by the Hon. Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education, and the official address by our Chair and Curtin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM and the ATN video history was played for the first time, telling the story of the group’s origins and how far it has come since that first day in 1999.
11. Our Membership
Australian Members
Our member universities are Curtin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia and University of Technology Sydney.
NEWCASTLE
PERTH
Curtin University
University of Newcastle
ADELAIDE
University of South Australia
GEELONG
Deakin University
Global Network
SYDNEY University of Technology
MELBOURNE
RMIT University
Our regional universities are RMIT Europe, Curtin University Mauritius, Deakin University GIFT Campus India, RMIT Vietnam (Hanoi), Curtin University Singapore, The University of Newcastle Singapore, RMIT Vietnam (Saigon South) and Curtin University Malaysia.
BARCELONA
RMIT University
DUBAI
Curtin University Dubai
GUJARAT
Deakin University GIFT City Campus India
SRILANKA
MOKA
HOCHIMINH
RMIT Vietnam (Saigon South)
HANOI
RMIT Vietam (Hanoi)
MALAYSIA
Curtin Universiy Malaysia
Curtin University Sri Lanka INDONESIA
SINGAPORE
Curtin University Singapore
Curtin University Mauritius
Deakin/Lancaster Indonesia
SINGAPORE
The University of Newcastle Singapore
12. Team Organisational Chart
Dr Ant Bagshaw Executive Director
Jeanette Dsouza Executive Assistant / Office Manager
Frank Coletta Deputy Executive Director, Director Public Affairs
Alessia Zugaro Intern – Media, Marketing & Communication
Ryan Hall Media and Communications Officer
Dr Dee Halil Director Programs
Janet Yeo Director Policy
Shilpa Pullela Director International Policy
Zillah Hansen Programs Coordinator
Kristie Martin Governance Officer