Terms of reference

The principles of the Government’s higher education package.
The effect of these proposals upon sustainability, quality, equity and diversity in teaching and research at universities, with particular reference to:
- The financial impact on students, including merit selection, income support and international comparisons,
- The financial impact on universities, including the impact of the Commonwealth Grants Scheme, the differential impact of fee deregulation, the expansion of full fee places and comparable international levels of government investment, and
- The provision of fully funded university places, including provision for labour market needs, skill shortages and regional equity, and the impact of the ‘learning entitlement’.
The implications of such proposals on the sustainability of research and research training in public research agencies.
The effect of this package on the relationship between the Commonwealth, the States and universities, including issues of institutional autonomy, governance, academic freedom and industrial relations.
Alternative policy and funding options for the higher education and public research sectors.