As we bring you this March update we continue to reflect on the recommendations of the Australian Universities Accord Final Report. It is heartening to see the Accord Panel has heard the voice of the graduate research community and adopted several of the recommendations put forward in the ACGR submissions, including:
- Increasing the RTP stipend.
- Acknowledging the importance of HDR candidates in supporting the research output of the nation and as a foundational component of our research training system.
- Promoting pathways to PhDs and HDR exit pathways.
- Creating of a National Researcher Development Framework and National Supervisory Framework– implicit in the remit of a future National research Workforce Development Strategy.
- Targeted opportunities for First Nations Researchers.
- Collection and analysis of granular data on the graduate research sector – implicit in the proposed building of data capacity and the work of the proposed Centre of Excellence in Higher Education and Research.
We thank all ACGR members for your engagement in developing the ACGR Australian Universities Accord submissions. Much work is on the horizon as the government works towards implementing the blueprint outlined in the Accord and we look forward to advocating on your behalf as discussions unfold to ensure the voice of the graduate research sector continues to be heard.
We’ve also taken on board member concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) as outlined in the December 2023 Australian Government Migration Strategy making requests to the Ministers of Home Affairs and Education to maintain the age limit of 50 years for HDR candidates, we share with you the ACGR position statement on the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) in this update.
As always, we bring to you a range of opportunities to engage with colleagues including our upcoming webinars and of course the April member meeting. You can now access the April meeting program which we are sure will allow space for a wide range of robust discussions and time to catch up with colleagues face-to-face.
We look forward to seeing you all face-to-face in the not too distant and wish you safe travels as you make your way to Adelaide next month.
Best regards
Clive Baldock, ACGR President
Tracy Sullivan, Executive Director