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Category: Media Releases and Statements

  • Go8 doubles down on national R&D target to drive economic prosperity

    The Group of Eight comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities is calling for a whole of nation commitment to lift investment in research and development (R&D) to at least 3 percent of GDP to improve Australia’s languishing productivity. In its submission the Economic Reform Roundtable the Go8 says that while other economies…

  • Group of Eight Statement on the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism

    Group of Eight universities are determined to take all necessary actions to both respond to and prevent antisemitism on campus. The Go8 will continue to work collaboratively with Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, and the Australian Government as it considers the recommendations of the Special Envoy’s plan…

  • Media release: Go8 congratulates Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Professor Nicola Phillips

    The Group of Eight congratulates Professor Nicola Phillips on her appointment as Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University and looks forward to welcoming Adelaide University as a member of the Go8. Professor Phillips has served as Provost at the University of Melbourne since 2021, coming from King’s College London where she…

  • Media release: Go8 stands ready to support the Government’s productivity agenda

    The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities looks forward to working with the Albanese Government to boost the nation’s innovation and productivity. Go8 CEO Vicki Thomson said the Prime Minister’s productivity roundtable comes at a critical time. “We must all work to ensure Australia does not fall behind,…

  • Joint Industry Statement: EU-Australia FTA “Time to get this done”

    In advance of Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell ’s visit to Europe this week, Australia’s peak industry groups agree there has never been a more critical time for the Australian Government to conclude a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU). The peak bodies, led by the European…

  • Media release: Go8 backs the Albanese Government’s productivity agenda

    The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities will continue to work collaboratively with the new Albanese Cabinet to develop solutions to pressing challenges and build a more sovereign nation. The Go8 congratulates Minister for Education Jason Clare on his re appointment and Senator Tim Ayres on his…

  • Global Research-Intensive Universities Network: The Ottawa Declaration, May 2, 2025

    GRIUN 2025 – Ottawa Declaration – May 2, 2025Download

  • Go8 statement on Coalition policy for international students

    Statement from the Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson The Coalition’s plan for Australia’s high performing international education sector is the wrong policy at the wrong time. “In the current global environment now is not the time to turn our backs on our regional partners and put at risk…

  • Media release: Election Eve Budget overlooks drivers of economic growth – innovation, research and development

    The election eve Federal budget is a missed opportunity by the Albanese Government to back in the role of Australian universities in  addressing cost of living pressures, boosting productivity and building sovereign capability. The Group of Eight (Go8) which undertakes 22 percent of the national research effort says the 2025-26…

  • Media release: Go8 strengthens research partnerships in Indo-Pacific

    The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, will lead a delegation to Singapore and Japan this week to strengthen Australia’s relationship with key strategic partners. Go8 Chair Professor Mark Scott AO, Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon (former Director General Australia Secret Intelligence Service) and Lieutenant General (Ret’d)…

  • Media statement: Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into antisemitism report

    Go8 universities are determined to take all necessary actions to both respond to and prevent antisemitism oncampus. Our universities must be places where people can agree or disagree well, where everyone not only feels safeand welcome but are. We cannot and must not tolerate antisemitic behaviour. Whilst our universities did…

  • Media release: Greater investment in R&D must be a national priority

    Lifting investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for Australia’s long term economic prosperity, security and wellbeing. The Government’s strategic examination of research and development (SERD) is a critical initiative to unlock Australia’s innovative and productive capacity and drive economic growth.  The SERD discussion paper crucially recognises that R&D…

  • Statement: Go8 Comments re International Education visa policy

    Quote attributable to Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson: “The Government has acknowledged that our international student visa system must be underpinned by integrity and quality. However, by replacing one flawed process with another – effectively a ‘slowdown in processing’- it has shifted the goal posts yet again. We run the…

  • Media release: MYEFO confirms Australia’s economy needs a strong international education sector – Go8

    Today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) reveals a weakening of the Australian economy and highlights the importance of a strong export sector, particularly international education which is our most successful services export. Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson said Australia is increasingly relying on services exports to…

  • Nation’s research powerhouse Unis back Government review of R&D

    Greater investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for Australia’s long term economic prosperity, security and wellbeing.  The government’s Strategic Examination of Australia’s Research & Development system is a critical piece of work to achieve this goal.  Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the scope of…

  • Media release: Common sense prevails as the Coalition rejects chaotic plan to cap international students

    The Coalition’s decision to oppose the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendments (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 is a welcome relief for communities, students and staff that would have been adversely affected by the passing of the legislation and have been struggling with the uncertain policy environment.  Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki…

  • Media release: Go8 top AFR Best Universities Rankings 2024

    The Australian Financial Review Best Universities Rankings 2024 confirms that Group of Eight (Go8) universities are the nation’s top performing universities delivering on research, equity and graduate employability. The AFR ranking evaluates university performance across four key pillars: teaching, research, career impact and equity. Group of Eight Chief Executive, Vicki…

  • Vale Professor Alan Robson AO

    It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Alan Robson AO, who leaves a lasting legacy for Australia’s higher education sector. Professor  Robson was Vice Chancellor of The University of Western Australia from 2004 until 2012 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost of the University from 1993.…

  • Media release: Senate Committee split on international student caps

    The Senate Committee Report into the ESOS Amendment Bill provides no clarity on the future for Australia’s higher education system and  our most successful services export sector – international education. Group of Eight Chief executive Vicki Thomson said, “the Senate Committee is clearly split – despite compelling evidence from across…

  • Media release: THE World University Rankings signals warning on international student caps

    Today’s Times Higher Education (THE) rankings are the canary in the coalmine for the higher education sector and the Australian Parliament should heed the warning before it’s too late. Australia’s research-intensive universities have hung on to their top 100 rankings in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, despite…

  • Media release: Go8 Congratulates Professor Emma Johnston on appointment as University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor

    The Group of Eight (Go8) congratulates Professor Emma Johnston AO on her appointment as the 21st Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. Professor Johnston is a leading figure in Australia’s university and research sector and internationally recognised for her distinguished service to higher education and research. She leaves her…

  • Go8 statement on the National Planning Level and international student caps

    Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Vicki Thomson Today the Federal Government announced that it intends recklessly to proceed with international student caps – introducing cuts to Go8 members who do the heavy lifting in research, education as well as underpinning Australia’s global reputation as a high-quality international education provider. As…

  • Media release: National Science and Research Priorities at risk if international student numbers capped – Go8

    Australia’s new National Science and Research Priorities will support our world class researchers in their endeavour to find solutions to our most pressing challenges. However, lifting investment in Australian research and development is critical to achieving this. The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities worked closely with…

  • Media release: New Ministry provides an opportunity for international education reset

    The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities will work with the new Albanese Ministry to ensure Australia’s higher education and research sector is in the strongest possible position to contribute to the nation’s future prosperity. The Go8 will seek an urgent meeting with incoming Minister for Home…