Bill puts universities’ status under the microscope

Senate inquiry considers how much research an institution must do to qualify as a university

A law that would set standards for the amount and quality of research Australian universities must do has been sent to a Senate committee for review.

The Higher Education Legislation Amendment Bill, which is part of education minister Dan Tehan’s reform package, was referred to the Senate’s Education and Employment Legislation Committee on 8 October. The Senate wants the law to be examined because of its possible implications for institutions maintaining their university status.