• The Hon. Fiona Nash from Charles Sturt University invited to appear on a panel at upcoming Universities Australia Conference on Wednesday 26 February

The Hon. Fiona Nash from Charles Sturt University will discuss solutions for addressing higher education gaps for rural, regional and remote Australians at the Universities Australia Conference 2020 on Wednesday 26 February.

The Charles Sturt Strategic Adviser was invited to appear on the panel, entitled ‘Beyond supply and demand’, which will “address complex factors influencing higher education aspiration, participation and attainment, and explore policy approaches to boost inclusion and success for Australians who are still left out”.

As the only member from a regional university on the panel, Ms Nash said her focus will be on representing the regional voice for boosting equity of access in higher education during the discussion.

“I was delighted when I received the invitation from Universities Australia to appear on the panel because I knew it was a chance to voice rural, regional and remote needs,” Ms Nash said.

“Developing strategies and solutions to boost the equity of access to higher education for Australians, particularly for those outside of metropolitan areas, is a key focus of mine and something I do every day in my role at Charles Sturt University.

“Higher education plays an important role in solving rural, regional and remote workforce challenges, boosting the nation’s economy and strengthening regional development; I see that every day at Charles Sturt University.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is that equal access and opportunities are provided when it comes to higher education.

“There is still more that needs to be done to achieve equity in higher education, particularly for people in rural, regional and remote areas, and I look forward to discussing this topic with my fellow panellists.”

During the Universities Australia Conference Ms Nash will be joined by fellow panellists: Professor Abigail Payne from Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research and Ms Susan Lamb from Queensland University of Technology. The panel will be chaired by Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.

The Universities Australia Conference is on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.