On Wednesday 3 December 2008 the Department will have a new website (www.deewr.gov.au) which is the first step in creating a single publishing and access point for portfolio information. The new design provides a richer source of information and news than our current internet presence. Your feedback is welcome and will help further shape the site in the future.
Message from the Chair
The Panel believes, after undertaking consultations, commissioning research and reading submissions, that its final report to government in December must be a comprehensive and integrated package of reforms. In consequence, rather than produce a report on priorities for action in October, it will meet in a private Roundtable with the Government to discuss its preliminary findings and indicate the directions in which it is heading as it moves towards recommendations for the future in its December report.
The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, has agreed to a modification in the processes for provision of advice to Government by the Review of Higher Education.
We have been heartened by the quality of the information provided in consultations and submissions by so many people and organisations and thank all who have contributed so far as well as those who have agreed to cooperate in various pieces of research the panel has commissioned.
Professor Denise Bradley AC
The Review Expert Panel has released a Discussion Paper PDF 
(4.0 MB) RTF 
(1.0 MB) to seek views on the key issues identified by the terms of reference. The issues outlined in the discussion paper have been informed by the preliminary input received.
The paper has been structured around nine key challenges and issues for higher education in Australia over the coming decades.
The panel invites comments on the questions raised in this paper or on other matters that relate to the terms of reference.
The Submissions process has now closed. The deadline for submissions was 31 July 2008.
Submissions will be made available on the website once they have been processed.
The Review Panel is not accepting submissions from organisations submitted on a wholly confidential basis, however, submissions may include appended material that is marked as ‘confidential’ and severable from the covering submission.
The Review Panel is accepting confidential submissions from individuals where those individuals can argue credibly that publication might compromise their ability to express a particular view.
Please note that any request made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to any material marked confidential will be determined in accordance with that Act.
The panel conducted a program of national consultations in June and July following the release of a discussion paper in early June.
Why do we need a Review of the Australian Higher Education system?
This Review is the first major review of higher education to be undertaken since 2002. The purpose of the Review is to consider the many issues and challenges facing the Australian higher education sector. It will inform the preparation of the Government’s policy agenda for higher education through 2009 and 2010. It will also help to develop a long-term vision for higher education into the next decade and beyond.
What is the timeframe for the Review?
The Review of Australian Higher Education was announced by the Minister for Education, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, on 13 March 2008. It will conclude by the end of 2008.
A Discussion Paper was released on 10 June 2008. This will be supported by a program of national consultations during June and July and formal submissions which will be due on 31 July 2008.
Will the Higher Education Review Panel publish a report?
The Review Panel will provide its final report by the end of the year. The Review Panel will also decide in consultation with the Minister on the best way to disseminate review outcomes.
For further information or any enquiries relating to the Review, please contact the Higher Education Review secretariat.
Higher Education Review secretariat
Email: HEreview@deewr.gov.au
Postal address:
Review of Australian Higher Education
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
Location 023
GPO Box 9880
CANBERRA ACT 2601