Independent review to assess Western Australia’s university sector

The state Government has appointed an expert panel to conduct an independent review of Western Australia's public university sector. 
Between 2010 and 2019, WA had the smallest percentage growth in university enrolments in Australia (13.6 per cent in WA, compared to 32.3 per cent across Australia). In 2020, WA attracted only 5.5 per cent of Australia's international student revenue. The WA university sector has experienced a more significant decline in its share of Australian competitive research funding than any other Australian State or Territory, falling from 11 per cent in 2001 to 2.9 per cent in 2022. 
The review will be led by a panel of eminent individuals with significant experience in the university sector, but without any current affiliations or any appointments in WA. Panel members include:

• Professor Sandra Harding AO (lead reviewer) - former Vice Chancellor and President James Cook University;
• Professor John Williams - Executive Dean Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics Adelaide;
• Dr Ian Watt AC - former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; and
• Professor Peter Shergold AC - former Chancellor of Western Sydney University. 

The review is expected to explore the various structural change options available to WA's university sector, and whether these changes would deliver improved performance and financial sustainability for the four local public universities. The terms of reference for the review include consideration of new structural models which can deliver improvements that meet the State's current and future knowledge and skills needs and strengthen relationships with business, industry and the vocational education and training (VET) and school sectors. 
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Read Premier McGowan's full media statement