University funding changes - Claire unpacks what the sector thinks is needed

In this episode of the podcast Claire explores the sector's response to the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026.Claire examines the key evidence given by representatives from across the sector who appeared before the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee on Monday 24 August 2026.The Senate Committee is due to hand down its final report on the legislation on 3 September 2026 - it will be available on the Senate website: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Education_and_Employment/OpeningDoorsThe Senate website is also where you can find the submissions made to the inquiry and the transcript of evidence given during the hearing. If you prefer to watch, rather than read, the evidence given to the hearing you can watch it on the parliamentary You Tube streaming portal: https://www.youtube.com/live/AFe_dX9W8Bk?si=2jYu2JB3FufrSP7IThe research by the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) showing the use of an ATAR "as a predictor of university success is questionable for low SES and [First in Family] background students facing disadvantage, and is not as crucial as other factors” is available at: https://www.acses.edu.au/atar-scores-a-weak-predictor-of-individual-student-performance/Contact Claire:Connect with me on LinkedIn: Claire FieldFollow me on Bluesky: @clairefield.bsky.social Check out the news pages on my website: clairefield.com.auEmail me at: [email protected] The ‘What now? What next?’ podcast recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s traditional custodians. In the spirit of reconciliation we are proud to recommend John Briggs Consulting as a leader in Reconciliation and Indigenous engagement. To find out more go to www.johnbriggs.net.au