Discover Australia's leading higher education events.

From flagship summits and policy forums to awards and networking opportunities, Universities Australia Events brings the sector together to share knowledge, celebrate excellence and inspire progress.

Solutions Series: In Conversation

Solutions Series: In Conversation

Who should shape the future of Australia’s universities?

How much national coordination does the system need? Where should government’s role end and university autonomy begin? And what does the Opposition want the next phase of higher education reform to look like?

With Parliament considering significant changes to the way universities are funded and governed, this conversation will go beyond the politics of the Bill to explore the principles that should underpin Australia’s higher education system for the decades ahead.

10.15–11.15am AEST
Friday 18 September 2026
Online

Professor Barney Glover AO

Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)

Dr Kate Cornick

Tech Council of Australia CEO and Strategic Examination of Research and Development panel

National Press Club

National Press Club

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

Solutions Summit

Solutions Summit

23–24 February 2027
National Convention Centre Canberra

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.

2026 Solutions Summit

2025 Solutions Summit