Category: Media Releases and Statements

It is essential that system-wide reform of Australia’s research sector be included in the Universities Accord considerations. Without this, Australia will be unable to tackle the current and future challenges facing us. University research is integral to the productivity gains that deliver economic growth and higher living standards; and even…

The Productivity Commission’s Advancing Prosperity Report recognises that our universities are a central driver of Australia’s prosperity through their contribution to research and development, innovation and education. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Go8’s submission to the Productivity Commission set out recommendations to boost productivity growth and…

The Group of Eight (Go8) is pleased to provide feedback on the Government’s National Battery Strategy issues paper. Please note that this submission represents the views of the Go8 network and member universities may wish to make their own individual submissions. The Go8 also consents for this submission to be…

The Group of Eight (Go8) has outlined a broad vision for the future of Australia’s higher education sector in the first of a series of discussion papers to be released during the University Accord process. The Role of a Modern Australian University System in the 21st Century identifies opportunities and…

The Albanese Government’s response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security report: National security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector, will build on the strong foundation Group of Eight (Go8) universities have in place to protect national security. Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Go8’s…

Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Albanese Government’s announcement regarding COVID-19 testing for people travelling from China was a reasonable course of action under the current circumstances. “From the outset of the pandemic, Go8 members have always supported decisions based on expert health advice and will continue…

The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities is calling for significant changes to the structure and governance of the Australian Research Council to ensure the sustainability of Australia’s world class research. In its submission to the Review of the Australian Research Council, the Go8 makes five key…

One of Australia’s most eminent scientists, Professor Brian Schmidt AC, has been appointed Chair of the Group of Eight universities.   The Nobel Prize winning astrophysicist and Vice Chancellor of ANU has previously served as Deputy Chair of the Go8 and is well regarded for his significant contribution to public debate.  …

The appointment of Professor Peter Dawkins AO as interim Director of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) is recognition by the Albanese Government of the important role universities will play in delivering the skilled workforce Australia needs. Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Go8 has long called…

The Albanese Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) legislation is a vote of confidence in Australian ideas, innovation and research.   Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the NRF would boost Australia’s sovereign capability in critical sectors.   “The seven priority areas identified by Government are all areas…

The Group of Eight looks forward to contributing to the development of the Australian Universities Accord to deliver a university sector that can meet the 21st century needs of Australia. Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the accord was an opportunity to address systemic reform – to consider genuine funding…

The passing of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) legislation through parliament today marks a major step towards addressing Australia’s workforce crisis. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said Australia’s research-intensive universities would collaborate with the new agency to help deliver the current and future skilled workforce the nation needs.…

Comments attributable to Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson The successful delivery of major initiatives in the 2022 Federal Budget will be underscored by the contribution that will come from the nation’s research-intensive universities. This good faith budget has an appropriate focus on relieving cost-of-living pressures and reducing debt,…

The Albanese Government’s commitment to fund an extra 20,000 university places is recognition of the key role our world class universities will play in addressing Australia’s skills shortage and future workforce needs. The Group of Eight, which comprises Australia’s research-intensive universities, has received 3,962 additional Commonwealth Supported Places, representing more…

Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) universities have once again excelled in The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, securing the highest rankings of all Australian universities. Seven of Australia’s research-intensive Go8 universities are ranked in the top 100 of the global rankings, which provides a rigorous overview of…

The National Skills Commission’s (NSC) annual skills priority list is the smoking gun that reaffirms the role our universities can and must play in addressing a skills crisis that cuts across all sectors of the economy and at all qualification levels. The Group of Eight (Go8) Universities educate almost half…

Read the paper The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) has partnered with leading Australian universities to advocate for visa policy reform for international students, to help address the nation’s workforce crisis. The newly formed alliance welcomed the Albanese Government’s recent announcement regarding changes to post-study work visa arrangements…

The Australian Government’s commitment to review the role and function of the Australian Research Council (ARC) is timely and essential to the nation’s long-term interests. “The Group of Eight is the major stakeholder in the ARC funding programs receiving nearly 70 per cent of all funding allocations. As the university…

Australia’s leading research-intensive universities are spearheading a drive to boost the number of high-value IT and Computer Science graduates, underpinned by research led experience. As part of a long-term strategy to address Australia’s workforce needs, the Group of Eight (Go8) is bringing together industry, university, and government stakeholders to identify…

Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) universities are critical to all aspects of Australia’s future economic prosperity and are at the forefront of the research, innovation and technology we need to create lasting solutions to the challenges we face as a nation. “The Productivity Commission’s Key to Prosperity Interim Report released…

The creation of Jobs and Skills Australia is an important step towards addressing Australia’s workforce and skills shortage. Group of Eight Deputy Chief Executive Dr Matthew Brown said Australia’s research-intensive universities would work with Government and the new agency to help deliver the current and future skills and workforce Australia…

Australia’s leading research-intensive universities look forward to working collaboratively with new Government Ministers across a range of portfolios to deliver what is needed for the nation’s economy, health and the living standards of our community. Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson welcomed the appointment of UNSW alumni Jason Clare…

“Australia’s leading research-intensive universities are critical to all aspects of our nation’s future economic prosperity and social well-being and stand ready to partner with the incoming Albanese Government to ensure the nation can reach its full potential,” said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson.  In congratulating the incoming Government…