Category: Media Releases and Statements
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Media release: Research recognised as fundamental in much improved ATEC
The passage of much improved legislation to establish an Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) marks a significant turning point for Australia’s higher education sector. After decades of inconsistent policy and unintended consequences, the sector will get the independent authority it needs with the standing to provide frank, fearless and evidence-based…
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Media release: Go8 leads high‑level delegation to Japan to deepen critical research collaboration
The Group of Eight will convene a high-level Australia-Japan research dialogue this week, bringing together senior leaders form the two countries’ leading research-intensive universities to deepen cooperation on research, economic and cyber security in an increasingly contested global environment. The Go8-Japan Roundtable “Deepening Engagement on Economic, Research and Cyber Security”…
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An Open Letter from Australia’s Medical Research and Scientific Community
The Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Senator The Hon Jenny McAllisterMinister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme The Hon Sam Rae MPMinister for Aged Care and Seniors Dear Minister Butler, Senator McAllister and Minister Rae Australia stands…
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Media release: A new era for Australian trade, national security, research and innovation
Today’s historic announcements – the conclusion of the Australia EU-FTA, the Security and Defence Partnership and fast tracking of Australia’s association with Horizon Europe – reflect the growing strategic importance of the Australian European Union partnership. In a contested, high risk global environment, the integration of trade, defence, and research is…
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Media release: Bold reform now needed to rebuild Australia’s R&D system
The Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) final report, Ambitious Australia, leaves no doubt that research and development is fundamental to Australia’s economic future, sovereign capability and national wellbeing. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the report arrives at a critical moment. “Now more than ever, as…
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Global Research-Intensive Universities Network (GRIUN): London Statement
We meet at a moment of significant global instability. Rising geopolitical tensions, the spread of misinformation and social division are weakening public trust. Across the world and within our communities we are facing unprecedented technological, societal and natural challenges. At such a time, the values which define leading research-intensive universities…
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Go8 statement on the Australian Human Rights Commission Respect at Uni Report
Quotes attributable to Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson: “The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Racism@Uni Study makes for sobering reading. It presents confronting evidence that racism is experienced by too many students and staff, with profound impacts, and that institutional responses have not always met the seriousness of the…
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Opening statement to the Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Universities Accord (ATEC) Bill 2025
Opening statement by Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee. The need for an Australian Tertiary Education Commission is not in question. The sector has been without an independent authority to guide government policy for decades – since the abolition…
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Media release: Go8 warns Budget failure to fix research funding will ‘hold Australia back’
The Group of Eight (Go8) has made clear that the 2026–27 Federal Budget is a critical test of the Government’s commitment to productivity, innovation, and long‑term economic growth, outlining three decisive actions required to stabilise and strengthen Australia’s research system. Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said two major, independent reviews…
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Go8 statement on the appointment of Professor Glyn Davis AC
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the appointment of Emeritus Professor Glyn Davis AC as Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne will ensure ongoing exceptional leadership and stability, as the university community comes to terms with the tragic passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO. “Professor Davis, who…
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Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO
The Group of Eight (Go8) is devastated by the passing of Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. This is an unfathomable loss for Australia’s higher education and research community, and for all who knew and worked with Emma. Professor Johnston was an exceptional individual and leader,…
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Media release: Go8 Expert Oversight and Implementation Committee on Antisemitism
The Group of Eight (Go8), representing Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, has established an Expert Oversight and Implementation Committee on Antisemitism to lead decisive action to eradicate antisemitism on university campuses. Earlier this week the Go8 Board confirmed that the committee will be Chaired by distinguished Australian, Dr Alan Finkel AC, bringing exceptional leadership…
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STATEMENT FROM THE GROUP OF EIGHT
The Group of Eight (Go8) – Australia’s leading universities – unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which struck peaceful families and community members gathering for a Hanukkah celebration. We extend our deepest condolences to victims, their families, and the Jewish community, and we stand in solidarity with…
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Media release: Go8 Board Appoints New Leadership
Go8 Board Appoints New Leadership: Professor Deborah Terry AC as Chair, Professor Sharon Pickering as Deputy Chair. The Board of the Group of Eight (Go8), representing Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, has appointed Professor Deborah Terry AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, as Chair of the Go8, and…
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Media release: National AI Plan will drive productivity and innovation
The Australian Government’s National AI Plan 2025 will underwrite Australia’s future and secure our place in the global AI ecosystem. The Group of Eight acknowledges the comprehensive nature of the strategy which aims to ensure that all Australians are up skilled to use AI to enhance their work and life,…
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Media release: Additional university places will secure Australia’s medical workforce
The Albanese Government’s decision to fund an additional 100 university places each year to train Australian doctors is a critical investment in the future of healthcare in Australia, and will ensure a secure supply of domestically trained medical practitioners. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the announcement comes…
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Media release: From Trade to Knowledge: The Australia–EU FTA Advantage
This week’s visit by European Commission Trade Chief Maroš Šefčovič marks a pivotal moment to shift the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement beyond goods and services—towards building ‘knowledge trade routes.’ Central to this vision is securing Australia’s full participation in Horizon Europe, unlocking opportunities for research collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise.…
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Media release: Go8 Urges Government to Scrap MRFF Cap, Unlock $1 billion for life-saving medical research
In a week when we celebrate the vital contribution of scientific research through the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, the Group of Eight (Go8) is urging the Australian Government to act now to remove the $650 million cap on the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Go8 researchers will join Member…
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Media release: Australia Moves Toward Horizon Europe Membership: Unlocking Research to Improve Everyday Lives
The Australian Government’s decision to enter exploratory negotiations with the European Union for associate membership to Horizon Europe marks a major milestone in unlocking the potential of Australian research and development to deliver tangible benefits to Australians. Horizon Europe, the EU’s €95.5 billion flagship research and innovation program, is the…
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Statement from the Alliance of Industry Associations on the Economic Reform Roundtable
An alliance of nearly 30 groups representing Australia’s small, medium and large businesses, universities, farmers, retailers, pharmacies and the investment community is calling for red-tape tape reduction, planning and major project approvals reform, an innovation agenda, and a process for productive tax reform that doesn’t raise costs for consumers or…
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Go8 opening statement to Senate Inquiry into quality of governance at Australian higher education providers
The Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into quality of governance at Australian higher education providers, Public Hearing. Opening statement from Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive, The Group of Eight Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Committee’s inquiry into quality of governance at Australian higher education providers.…
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Go8 statement on managing a sustainable international education sector
The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities supports the Albanese Government’s efforts to improve the quality and integrity of Australia’s international education sector. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said: “A strong international education sector brings multiple benefits to Australia and is clearly in the national interest.…