Worried what the comrade ATEC commissioners will ask about when they call you in for a chat?
FC asked AI for a three-month work plan, assuming Jason Clare is still minister. (With thanks to training maven Phill Bevan, whose idea FC shamelessly nicked).
Nothing in it that the people who expect to be in ATEC aren’t already on to and sure, it has its limits – assuming DoE data is easily searched and officials can “develop clear and concise communication materials summarizing key findings and policy recommendations.” But for all its faults, it took AI 30 seconds or so to prepare.
Disclaimer: The Plan, below, is written by Google Gemini to illustrate the capabilities of policy formulation via AI.
The Plan
Mission: To advise the Australian Government on policies that enhance the quality, equity, and efficiency of the higher education sector, ensuring Australia has a skilled workforce and globally competitive research system.
Government Policy Objectives:
(Assumed – these will be specific to the current government)
Boosting Workforce Skills: Prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and vocational education pathways to meet industry demands.
Improving Equity and Access: Increase participation of underrepresented groups (e.g., low-SES, Indigenous, regional) in higher education.
Driving Research Excellence: Support world-class research that addresses national challenges and contributes to global knowledge.
Ensuring Value for Money: Promote efficiency and accountability within the higher education system.
Three-Month Workflow Plan:
Month 1: Data Gathering & Stakeholder Consultation
Data Collection & Analysis:
Labor Market Data: Analyze current and projected skills needs, employment trends, and wage growth across sectors.
Higher Education Data: Collect and analyze data on student enrolments, completion rates, graduate outcomes, research outputs, and university finances.
Equity Data: Analyze participation rates, attainment gaps, and outcomes for underrepresented groups.
Stakeholder Consultation:
Industry Roundtables: Convene industry leaders to discuss skills gaps, emerging technologies, and future workforce needs.
University Consultations: Engage with university leaders, academics, and student representatives to gather insights and perspectives.
Regional Forums: Conduct regional consultations to understand local skills needs and barriers to higher education access.
Indigenous Consultation: Engage with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure Indigenous perspectives are integrated into policy development.
Month 2: Policy Options Development & Prioritization
Policy Options Development:
Skills-Based Funding: Develop options for funding models that incentivize universities to align with industry needs and produce graduates with in-demand skills.
Equity-Focused Initiatives: Develop targeted interventions to increase participation and success rates for underrepresented groups (e.g., scholarships, mentoring programs, regional support).
Research Investment Strategies: Develop strategies to support research excellence in areas of national significance (e.g., climate change, health, defense).
Efficiency and Accountability Measures: Develop performance metrics and accountability frameworks to ensure value for money in public funding.
Prioritization & Cost-Benefit Analysis:
Conduct cost-benefit analyses of potential policy options, considering their impact on skills development, equity, research outcomes, and the broader economy.
Prioritize policy options based on their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with government objectives.
Month 3: Policy Recommendations & Communication
Draft Policy Recommendations:
Prepare draft policy recommendations for the Minister, including detailed policy proposals, implementation plans, and monitoring frameworks.
Develop clear and concise communication materials summarizing key findings and policy recommendations.
Consultation & Refinement:
Present draft recommendations to key stakeholders (universities, industry, government departments) for feedback and refinement.
Engage in public consultation to gather input from the broader community.
Prepare for Ministerial Briefing:
Prepare briefing materials for the Minister, summarizing key findings, policy recommendations, and potential implications.
Key Considerations:
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Ensure all policy decisions are based on robust evidence and rigorous analysis.
Collaboration & Partnerships: Foster strong partnerships with universities, industry, and other stakeholders.
Transparency & Accountability: Maintain transparency in all decision-making processes and ensure accountability for policy outcomes.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging challenges.
Note: This is a preliminary workflow plan and will need to be adjusted based on the specific priorities and directives of the Australian Government.
Disclaimer: This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional policy advice.
