By Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon:

On behalf of Charles Sturt University, I congratulate the newly appointed Commissioners of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission: Professor Barney Glover, The Hon Fiona Nash, Mr David Coltman and Professor Stephen Duckett. 

The establishment of ATEC marks a significant step toward a more coordinated, mission‑driven higher education system in Australia. It will help universities better meet the nation’s workforce needs, produce vital research and ensure students - regardless of where they live or their wealth - can access high quality education. 

The Commission’s work will be central to realising the ambitions of the Universities Accord and ensuring that policy, funding and regulation support a system that is fair, sustainable and responsive to the needs of students, universities, employers and communities. 

Charles Sturt University looks forward to working constructively with the Commissioners to ensure we can continue to educate the doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, agricultural scientists and allied health professionals that regional Australia urgently needs. 

We are pleased that Ms Nash, who previously worked with Charles Sturt and has long been a champion for regional communities, will bring invaluable regional experience and insight to the Commission’s deliberations. Ms Nash’s understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional universities and regional Australia more broadly will be essential to ensuring ATEC’s work reflects the diversity of the nation it serves. 

Charles Sturt University stands ready to support the Commission as it undertakes this vital task. We remain committed to strengthening regional Australia through education, research and partnerships that deliver real and lasting benefit for our communities and for the nation.