In June 2007, the former Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced the release of a discussion paper as a first step to develop a national data collection on university applications and offers. The new data collection will make standardised, comprehensive, timely data on applications and offers for university places available to all.
Until now, stakeholders have relied on statistics from individual institutions, state based Tertiary Admissions Centres and the media during the applications and offers process. This can cause confusion since data can be released at different times and use differing definitions in the various states.
The improved coverage, timeliness and detail of the new collection will benefit all stakeholders, including students, universities and policymakers.
DEST will consult widely with universities, Tertiary Admissions Centres and other stakeholders on the new data collection and how to develop and implement it. Consultation will ensure that the new system is of maximum benefit to stakeholders and imposes minimal burden on higher education providers and Tertiary Admissions Centres.
As the first stage in the consultation process, the Minister released a discussion paper. Interested parties are invited to make written submissions on:
- The scope and format of the new collection;
- Reports on the data
- Timing of data submission and reporting;
- Security and confidentiality of the data;
- Technical and data issues in setting up reporting systems; and
- Any other relevant issues.
Discussion paper PDF 
(66.3 KB) RTF 
(1.1 MB)
Written submission should be made by 20 August 2007 and addressed to:
Ms Anne Gregory
Director
Analysis Unit
Policy and Analysis Branch
Higher Education Group
Loc 133
DEST
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 2601
Or by email to NationalData@dest.gov.au
If you would like your submission to be kept confidential, please indicate this clearly at the top of your document or in a covering note. If only part of your response is confidential, please put that part on a separate page or pages.
Unless you request that your submission be treated confidentially, submissions may be made publicly available on the DEST website as part of the consultation process. You may also wish to note that because DEST may be required to release your submission by the operation of law, or of a judicial or Parliamentary body or Government agency, the Department can give no undertaking that your submission will never be made publicly available.
If you have any questions about the project, or you would like further information, please contact:
Mr Mike Teece
Analysis Unit
Policy and Analysis Branch
Higher Education Group
DEST
Telephone: (02) 6240 5422
Email: mike.teece@dest.gov.au