Australia's future economic growth depends on a highly skilled, productive, and educated workforce. Recognising this, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has released the ITECA Federal Election Manifesto, calling on the next Australian Parliament to put students at the heart of a high-performing tertiary education system.
The manifesto outlines a bold vision to dismantle barriers that restrict students' access to quality skills training and higher education.
"It calls for reforms that allow students to study with the provider best equipped to meet their educational and career goals, be it an independent Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or a higher education institution," Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
ITECA is arguing for reforms that will firmly place the focus on students. This stands in stark contrast to current Australian Government priorities that back public institutions, with the student interest often coming at a poor second.
"In recent years, Australian Government policy has focused on supporting institutions over students. This has created systemic inequities for students, limiting access to quality education for those who choose to study with independent tertiary education providers," Mr Williams said.
The ITECA Federal Election Manifesto outlines key policy priorities in three critical areas:
Skills Training Policy Priorities ―
- Empower students to access government-funded skills training at the provider of their choice.
- Introduce three-year state and territory government skills training funding cycles to drive competition and innovation.
- Streamline reporting requirements so RTOs can focus on student outcomes, not red tape.
- Abolish the punitive student loan tax on VET Student Loans.
- Foster an integrated tertiary education system that respects the distinct roles of skills training and higher education.
Higher Education Policy Priorities ―
- Place student choice at the centre of higher education funding to allow access to government-supported places with independent providers.
- Revise funding models to support sustainable and equitable funding across both public and independent providers.
- Reduce reporting burdens, enabling providers to focus on student outcomes.
- Ensure the Australian Universities Accord supports complementary roles for public and independent providers.
- End the FEE-HELP loan tax to make higher education more accessible.
- Grant independent higher education providers access to government research funding.
International Education Policy Priorities ―
- Streamline student visa processing with timely and transparent outcomes.
- Introduce a registration scheme for international education agents to enhance quality and accountability.
- Align Australia's international education and migration strategies for a cohesive approach.
- Adopt a 'Team Australia' approach for international education marketing to strengthen Australia's global appeal as a study destination.
- Appoint an International Education Commissioner to provide a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to promoting international education.
The ITECA Federal Election Manifesto is a clear call for reform to strengthen the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors as the nation faces prolonged skills shortages.
"With Australia facing a protracted skills shortage, this is a timely opportunity to improve access and equity in the education system. The reforms would enable students to pursue their educational goals free from government-imposed barriers like restricted funding access and loan taxes," Mr Williams said.
Ultimately, the ITECA Federal Election Manifesto is about empowering students. "The Australian Government should back a student's decision to study with the provider that's able to help them achieve their life and career goals, whether that's an independent provider or a public TAFE college and university," said Troy Williams.
ITECA's message to the next Australian Parliament is clear, this is to place students at the heart of the system, support choice, and remove the structural barriers that impede equitable access to skills training and higher education.
