The Group of Eight (Go8), which represents Australia’s research-intensive universities and undertakes some 70 per cent of all Australian university research says the ministerial reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison will ensure continuity in the key portfolios of Trade, Health, Industry and Innovation, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs.
Go8 Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson said the appointment of Alan Tudge as the nation’s education minister was also a positive move.
“Alan Tudge takes over the education portfolio at what is unarguably the most challenging time for our universities,” Ms Thomson said.
“As a previous Acting Minister for Immigration he has backed in the international education sector – with significant changes to our visa regime during the COVID pandemic. He has also publicly acknowledged the role of international education as supporting a number of critical industries such as health, aged and disability care. As a former minister for Population and Cities he recognised the role of attracting global research talent as part of a comprehensive population policy and of course he was a former adviser to a Federal Education Minister.
“Alan Tudge is no stranger to not only the current challenges – but also the opportunities ahead.
The Go8 also looks forward to continuing to work with Dan Tehan in the Trade portfolio and building on the strong relationship developed during his time as Education Minister.
“Minister Tehan has a deep understanding of the critical importance of our international education and research sector and will take that to the Trade portfolio. We stand ready to work with both Ministers in these key portfolios and the broader cabinet, to ensure that our research intensive universities are well placed to support Australia’s economic recovery.”