Category: News
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Go8 submission to the review of the effectiveness of the operations of the Jobs and Skills Australia Act 2022 (JSA Act)
Dr Michele Bruniges AM, Reviewer, Review of the Jobs and Skills Australia Act 2022 The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no wish for any of it to be treated as confidential. Introduction The Go8 comprises Australia’s leading research-intensive universities which are critical contributors to the…
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Go8 submission in response to the Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy (Draft Strategy)
Health and Medical Research Strategy Secretariat The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no wish for any of it to be treated as confidential. Go8 members may make their own, more detailed, submission. Introduction Health and Medical Research (HMR) undertaken in Australia’s universities and medical research…
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Go8 submission to the SERD issues papers 5 & 6
Strategic Examination of Research and Development Secretariat Group of Eight Universities (Go8) submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) issues papers open for comment until 10 October 2025 Introduction Foundational research undertaken Australia’s university system underpins the nation’s entire research and development (R&D) ecosystem. Through the generation…
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Go8 submission to the SERD issues papers 1 – 4
Strategic Examination of Research and Development Secretariat Group of Eight Universities (Go8) submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) issues papers open for comment until 30 September 2025 Introduction The Go8 universities are not just participants in Australia’s innovation system – they are a cornerstone. As research-intensive…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 52 – Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr and Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon – Part 2
Part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part episode featuring the Co-Chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee – Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army and Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. In Part 2, these distinguished defence and…
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Go8 submission to the Productivity Commission five-pillars of productivity interim reports
Productivity Commission, 5-pillars Productivity Inquiries Group of Eight Universities (Go8) submission to the Productivity Commission five-pillars of productivity interim reports The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no wish for any of it to be treated as confidential. Introduction The Group of Eight (Go8), Australia’s leading…
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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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Go8 feedback on draft Higher Education Support Guidelines 2025
Dr Anthony Millgate, Assistant Secretary, Research Policy and Engagement Branch, Department of Education Group of Eight Universities (Go8) feedback on draft Higher Education Support (Commonwealth Scholarships) Guidelines 2025 and legislative amendments to the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017 The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 51 – Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon and Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr
Part 1 of a timely and thought-provoking two-part episode featuring Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, and Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Rick Burr, former Chief of Army. As co-chairs of the Group of Eight Defence & Security Committee, these distinguished leaders offer a rare…
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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.…
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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…
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Go8 submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable (ERR)
Economic Reform Roundtable, The Treasury The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no wish for any of it to be treated as confidential. Introduction To improve Australia’s languishing productivity as well as enhance economic resilience, national investment in research and development (R&D) investment needs to be…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 50 – Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne
We’re celebrating our 50th episode by chatting with The Group of Eight’s newest Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston from the University of Melbourne. Professor Johnston is a world-leading marine biologist, an influential figure in Australia’s higher education sector and a prominent advocate for science and technology and women in STEM. She’s…
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Debate@Go8 Mini: European Australian Business Council Chair, Duncan Lewis AO
Australia’s former intelligence chief, European Australian Business Council (EABC) Chair Duncan Lewis told Debate@Go8 Mini podcast that the challenges to global security ‘are of a magnitude’ he’s not seen in his previous working life, and at a time this like this, western democracies need come together. Speaking after the EABC…
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Debate@Go8 Mini: EABC Chair, Duncan Lewis AO, on Horizon Europe, R&D and Productivity
Group of Eight CE Vicki Thomson speaks with Duncan Lewis, Chair of the European Australian Business Council (EABC) and Thales Australia, about the benefits of association to the world’s largest research and innovation fund. Speaking in London at the end of this year’s EABC delegation to Europe, Australia’s former intelligence…
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Debate@Go8 Mini: Professor Simon Ringer, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Sydney
Group of Eight CE Vicki Thomson chats with University of Sydney Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) Professor Simon Ringer in Warsaw, on the sidelines of high-level meetings with European officials and business leaders as part of this year’s European Australian Business Council (EABC) delegation. The two discuss how university research &…
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Debate@Go8 Mini: Martin Rampl, Managing Director, Frequentis Australasia
The Group of Eight CE Vicki Thomson and Frequentis Australasia’s Managing Director Martin Rampl discuss the many mutual benefits that flow from Australia–EU collaboration, in a break from meetings in Brussels during this year’s European Australian Business Council (EABC) delegation to Europe. Recorded July 2025.
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Go8 submission to the Productivity Commission Five-pillars Productivity Inquiries
Productivity Commission, Five-pillars Productivity Inquiries Introduction All pillars require a solid and sustainable foundation to succeed. This applies equally to the five pillars of productivity. The solid foundation required is a thriving national Research and Development (R&D) base, an adaptable highly qualified workforce, and meaningful global engagement to advance our…