Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (19:20): by leave—I move: At the end of the motion, add "but the Senate: (a) notes that the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is a welcome step in improving the sustainability, governance and enduring excellence of Australia's higher education system for staff, students and the continued future success of our country; (b) recognises that, to fulfil its potential over the long-term, the ATEC requires independence in its functions, resourcing and reporting; and (c) urges the ATEC to progress the urgent reform of the failed job-ready graduates scheme, consistent with the recommendations of the final report of the Universities Accord, with a view to urgently addressing inequitable student contribution settings—particularly in arts and humanities disciplines—and mitigating the disproportionate debt burden and emerging socio-economic stratification current arrangements are creating for the student cohort".

Question negatived. Senator David Pocock: I record my support for my amendment. The PRESIDENT: The question is that second reading be agreed to.