Submissions...

Initial Response to the Review of Australian Higher Education, April 2008
- In April 2008, called for initial response to establish the Terms of Reference for the Review. COPHE sought to ensure that the presence and needs of the private higher education providers were acknowledged. To see the Initial Response Submission, click here...

Submission to the Review of Australian Higher Education, July 2008
- In June 2008, the Review of Australian Higher Education, chaired by Denise Bradley, released a Discussion Paper, and called for Submissions in Response. COPHE produced a Submission in collaboration wth its members, seeking to emphasise the essential mandate of private providers: equity and choice. To see the COPHE Submission, click here...

Submission to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, June 2008
- In March 2008, the process of Award Modernisation was announced. Submissions were invited one the establishment of Priority Industries of which Higher Education was one. The Priority Industries would have awards established by the end of 2008. COPHE made a submission to the Commission argueing that the nature of the Higher Education industry was diverse and complicated; and that the private higher education industry in particular had a complexity that would require a longer timetable than that proposed. To see the COPHE submission, click here...

Submission to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, August 2008
- Although the private higher education industry generally was exempted from consideration in establishment fo the Higher Education Modern Award, COPHE member Bond University was included as a Table B Provider under the Higher Education Support ACT. Further, there was some confusion about the Commission's understanding of the nature of the private hugher education industry, which was described as "mainly faith-based institutions". COPHE made a submission to the AIRC seeking to clarify the nature of the private higher education industry, and to support the move by Bond University for a separate private higher education modern award. To see the COPHE submission, click here...

Submission to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, October 2008
- The Higher Education Draft Exposure Award was released in September. It consisted of two awards: Academic Staff and General Staff. The Awards were patterned on the general formula of collective agreements already existing within the industry, but with a higher degree of prescriptiveness than already existed. The concern for COPHE and members was the broad definition of "higher education", which cast a much wider net than the Table A and B universities initially to be considered. COPHE surveyed members who expressed concern that applying the Draft Awards would create severe financial and operating constraints. COPHE sought a new definition based on the MCEETYA Protocols that would protect the majority of its members from being drawn into awards designed for much larger operations. To see the COPHE submission, click here...

Submission to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, June 2009
- Following our previous submissions, COPHE was successful in ensuring all members, except those designated a "university", were captured under the Educational Services (Post-Secondary) Modern Award. This submission is a response to the Exposure Draft of the Award and followed extensive consultation with members. COPHE was also represented at the consultations of the Full Bench of the AIRC on 26th June, 2009. To access the submission, click here...

Submission to Strengthen the Australian Qualifications Framework, June 2009
- This submission is a significant strategic input for COPHE. We believe that this inquiry will help form the outlook of TEQSA, the new quality and accreditation body. In consultations the review committee were enthusiastic about COPHE's input. To access the submission, click here...

Submission to Strengthen the Australian Qualifications Framework, August 2010
- COPHE has already engaged with the Secretariat on the AQF Review, and provided a previous submission. We endorse the need for a strong and clear Framework to support the quality of Australian education, and understanding and acceptance of the qualifications from national and international communities and employers. However specific significant issues remain with this Consultation Paper, and the draft Policies. COPHE cannot support these documents in their present form. To access COPHE's latest submission, click here...

Submission to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research - Meeting Australia's Research Workforce Needs, August 2010
- This submission addresses the key issue for our members that research activity in private higher education is not recognised in higher education policy settings. The accreditation process under national protocols calls for higher education providers to foster scholarship which includes research. Academics with sound HDR qualification are employed by private providers and are expected to undertake ongoing research yet there is no access to public support. To access this submission, click here...