The chapter argues that \u201ca new Australian compact about tertiary education is needed.\u201d It requires<\/p>\n

\u201ca compact between state and federal governments, but more importantly it would engage and draw on employers, unions, educators, community organisations, public servants and innovators to realise a system that is truly capable of serving the needs and interests of the Australian community today and in the decades ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, when the authors of this chapter thought about tertiary education, they suggested \u201cwe need to see it as not two separate systems but as one system made up of two sectors\u2014vocational education and higher education, where the aim is \u201cto have universally high-quality providers with great diversity.\u201d<\/p>\n

They argue for a tertiary system that is \u201cbound together by a common architecture and common funding model that ensures high quality and greater connectedness between its parts, and more seamlessness in the pathways between its parts and with the school system. It would also have greater connectedness with industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Students should be at the centre too, they suggest, with their needs met by the diversity of options on offer, as well as having \u201cstronger pathways and partnerships, and greater transparency.\u201d This, they believe, will enable students<\/p>\n

\u201cto navigate the system more easily and be able to more clearly demonstrate their skills and capabilities to their prospective employers. This, in turn, will enable the tertiary system to generate the skills that will be required for transforming the Australian economy of the future to achieve strong, inclusive and sustainable growth.\u201d<\/p>\n