Discover Australia's leading higher education events.

Solutions Series: In Conversation
Aftab Malik
Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia
Tackling Islamophobia and strengthening social cohesion.
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How do we build safer, more inclusive university communities while protecting the openness, debate and academic freedom at the heart of higher education? As universities prepare to implement new requirements to prevent and respond to racism, the conversation will explore the experiences of Muslim Australians, the role of definitions in tackling racism and Islamophobia, and what the changes to the Higher Education Threshold Standards mean in practice. Together, they’ll discuss the role universities can play in tackling racism, strengthening social cohesion and creating communities where students and staff feel safe, respected and able to engage openly with different ideas. No speeches. No presentations. Just an open, solutions-focused conversation about what needs to happen next. |
Professor Barney Glover AO
Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)
23–24 February 2027
National Convention Centre Canberra
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The 2027 Universities Australia Solutions Summit is the premier national forum for collaboration across higher education. It brings together more than 1,000 leaders from universities, government, business and the community to shape the policy and partnerships that will guide the year ahead. |
Professor Carolyn Evans
Chair, Universities Australia
11:30am–1:30pm
Wednesday 26 August 2026
National Press Club, Canberra
The Universities Australia Chair delivered a major national address on the state of Australia’s university sector at a critical moment for the nation’s future. The speech set out the sector’s role in driving productivity, skills and innovation, and outlined the reforms needed to ensure universities could continue to deliver for students, communities and the economy. It also reflected on the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities ahead, with a clear focus on building a stronger, more prosperous Australia.
Professor Carolyn Evans
Chair, Universities Australia
August 2025
Securing Australia’s future: the critical role of universities
Luke Sheehy
CEO, Universities Australia
February 2025
Universities are essential to Australia's prosperity, skills, research, and future










