Congratulations to Education Minister Jason Clare on launching the Australian Universities Accord, which will build a long-term plan for Australia’s higher education system to ensure it meets the needs of the nation.

Charles Sturt University welcomes the Accord and looks forward to working with its panel to ensure fair and equal access to university is improved, especially for regional and disadvantaged Australians.

I would like to personally congratulate Regional Education Commissioner Ms Fiona Nash on her appointment to the Accord’s team.

Ms Nash, a former Strategic Adviser with Charles Sturt, has long been a champion for the transformative outcomes of higher education for regional Australians and their communities.

Ms Nash and Minister Clare visited our Orange campus in July this year where I was able to show them many examples of how Charles Sturt opens its doors to students who would otherwise be denied access to the knowledge and skills universities provide.