Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

A good education is a ticket to a good life. That's why I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023. It's one of significance for the future of Australia's higher education system and the future of our country. The journey to draft this bill has been extensive and inclusive, involving consultation throughout the whole of the tertiary sector. This process was driven by an assessment of our national needs, with a goal to align the changes with the higher education sector needs of the nation. Another goal is to forge a sustainable and long-term commitment among stakeholders to chart the future of Australia's higher education system.

The Australian Universities Accord, led by the distinguished Professor Mary O'Kane, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide—I should also note that Professor O'Kane was the first woman to become a dean of engineering at any university. And I note that there are two female engineers in the chamber. I suggest the member for McPherson and I love it when we see our STEM sisters rise.

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