The University of äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ (äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾) welcomes the passage of the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026, noting that the reforms will make a valuable contribution towards levelling the playing field for more Australians to access higher education.
The legislation introduces a managed growth funding model and new needs-based support aimed at improving access and success for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, regional and remote Australia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Vice-Chancellor and President of äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾, Professor the Honourable Bill Shorten said the new law will provide important mechanisms to help more Australians access higher education.
"The Accord recognises that students with potential are everywhere, but opportunities aren't,” said Professor Shorten.
“University can feel way out of reach for some aspiring students whose circumstances are shaped by factors outside of their control, and these reforms will help ensure a student's potential is not determined by their postcode, background or circumstances,”
As äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾'s university, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ has long focused on widening participation through alternative pathways, community partnerships and targeted support programs that help students from diverse backgrounds succeed at university. These are complementary to the equity measures outlined in the Universities Accord Bill designed to strengthen support for students who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education.
“This is about creating life-changing opportunities for individuals, strengthening communities and building the skilled workforce Australia will need for the future. The passage of the Bill is an important milestone in delivering a higher education system that works for all Australians,” said Professor Shorten.
"At äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾, we see how higher education changes lives. When one person gains access to opportunity, families, workplaces and communities benefit too. The Universities Accord Bill is nation-building reform and will help shape Australia's future."