The Morrison Government and their state and territory counterparts have some important decisions to make about the future of tertiary education. This paper argues that it will be imperative for all parties to take a holistic approach to these reviews in the face of huge challenges facing the Australian tertiary education sector.

The foundation of the Australian higher education system is built on two broad principles. The first is that they exist for the betterment of the nation. The second is that the doors of universities and other higher education institutions are open to everyone.

This inquiry examined the efficiency, effectiveness and coherency of Australian government funding for research. It focused on federally funded research agencies, their funding mechanisms and university collaborative research.

In this submission, DASSH sets out the key areas of concern for Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) disciplines in the higher education sector.

DASSH is concerned about the proposed efficiency dividend imposed on universities in 2018 and 2019 and its long-term impacts. We also note the lack of clarity around a number of significant measures proposed in the Bill, and the impact this has on the ability of universities to plan accordingly.