On 6 November 2024, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia’s Victorian Branch hosted a panel session on The Future of Higher Education. Featuring panellists Professor Greg Bamber FASSA, Dr Alison Barnes, Professor Allan Fels AO FASSA and Professor Jenny Lewis FASSA, the event sparked lively discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Australian universities. Topics ranged from governance and financial sustainability to the sector’s societal impact and relationship with industry.
Key issues highlighted included the loss of public trust in universities, concerns over excessive managerialism, and the prioritisation of university rankings over broader community contributions. The discussion also emphasised the need for improved collaboration between universities, TAFEs, and secondary schools, alongside reforms in research funding and performance measurement. In closing, panellists agreed on a vision for universities to have closer relationships with industry and society, be leaner with more careful scrutiny of capital projects, have a stronger emphasis on their teaching and research responsibilities, and governance arrangements that are more closely aligned to the actual roles of universities.
Victorian Fellows at the 2024 annual gathering including panellistsProfessor Allan Fels AO FASSA (front row, left), Professor Jenny Lewis FASSA (front row, second left), Dr Alison Barnes (front row, second right) and Professor Greg Bamber FASSA (front row, right).