In the past week half a dozen people have asked me if I saw 4 Corners on universities and while I have reassured each that there was little that we didn’t already know, I also felt compelled to tell them it was only a drop in the ocean compared to the challenges – and opportunities – that the sector really faces.
It seems important to pause periodically and consider the position of the sector. Many commentators would largely agree that we are amidst a period of massive change – regardless of where you sit on what the outcome will be. Over a period of two or three years the HE sector is being moved from an underfunded, laissez faire system with plenty of foibles, where institutions could cope by growing revenue through international enrolments; to a still-underfunded system piloted by multiple layers of central control (ATEC, muscled up TEQSA, various ombudsman etc) with a host of new compliance requirements, all required to work within a narrow framework.
The combination of compacts, ongoing pressure on onshore enrolment numbers, increased scrutiny of domestic student experiences, JRG, AI responses, a difficult and unpredictable economic and social environment nationally and internationally, changes in graduate demand and expectations and an unfunded vision for national tertiary transformation all suggest that we are in the midst of once-in-a-generation change for HE.
Totting up consultants' bills is a tiny issue in comparison to the monumental challenges – and opportunities the sector faces. In just a few days TEQSA have taken over the process of selecting a Chancellor for Australia's national university; Universities Australia has been forced to try to galvanise support against continued funding shortfalls through JRG reforms; and a Vice-Chancellor says urgent institutional change is required because unis are no longer as good as AI at the staples of lecturing, content delivery and examination. It appears 2026 may finally be the year where organisational entropy is finally called out as a malaise that the sector can no longer afford.
That's exactly why we are holding a conference in June to address some of the biggest issues that could determine the future prosperity and sustainability of the sector – the attraction, retention, motivation and management of its people.
Proudly hosted by RMIT in Melbourne on 22-23 June, we are really delighted to be creating a unique forum to share insights, fresh perspectives and discussion on the future of HE People: the HE People & Performance 2026 Conference.
Every week brings fresh news stories which underscore the importance of ditching apathy and taking new approaches to supporting and maximising the value of humans in the sector.
The wider community is now pretty clear that significant change is required, but is in danger of misunderstanding the magnitude of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A increasing number of HE leaders are making it clear that they have an appetite for change and ideas on ways forward. It really is an important time to make your contribution to the conversation in Melbourne in June and also equip yourself with ideas from others also at the vanguard of change.