Much of the national dialogue concerning higher education and the nation’s economic future tends to overlook the significant role and contribution of the arts, social sciences and humanities (ASSH). In this submission, we support the practice of work integrated learning, experiential learning and industry engagement across all disciplines, argue for the broadening of eligible disciplines to the R&D tax incentive, recommend clear sector guidelines and practices in relation to the employment of interns, and distinctions on what constitutes a paid and an unpaid internship and that the government provides greater support for industry-collaboration within higher research degrees.