The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), a key pillar of the federal government’s higher education reforms, has taken another step forward with the appointment of new interim commissioners, Education Minister Jason Clare confirmed on 19 January 2026.
Professor Tom Calma AO and the Hon Fiona Nash have been appointed to the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission, joining Professor Barney Glover AO, who has been named acting Chief Commissioner.
The appointments come as the government continues to implement recommendations from the Universities Accord, a review of the tertiary system that called for a national, independent Commission to provide long-term stewardship of education policy, funding and system performance.
Professor Calma, taking on the role of acting First Nations Commissioner, brings more than four decades of leadership in human rights, social justice and higher education to the Commission. His distinguished career includes serving as Chancellor of the University of Canberra (2014–2023) and as Professor of Practice (Indigenous Engagement) at the University of Sydney, roles that underscore his longstanding commitment to equity and inclusion in education and research.
The Hon Fiona Nash, appointed as an interim Commissioner, is a former federal Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications, and Local Government and Territories, and played a role on the Australian Universities Accord Panel. Her experience in regional engagement and government relations, as well as previous senior roles at Charles Sturt University, is anticipated to be an asset as ATEC shapes national tertiary policy with an eye to equity and access across urban and regional Australia.
Professor Glover, already serving as a Commissioner with Jobs and Skills Australia, will act as the interim Chief Commissioner. A former vice-chancellor at multiple Australian universities, Glover is known for his deep sector experience and policy insight.
In announcing the appointments, Minister Clare said the new commissioners — with their combined expertise across education, social justice, regional policy and institutional leadership — were well placed to help translate the Accord’s blueprint into action. “The Universities Accord is a blueprint for reform of our higher education system for the next decade and beyond,” Clare said in the government release. “Professor Glover, Professor Calma and Fiona Nash are outstanding leaders who with their deep knowledge and expertise will continue driving the reforms we need to make the Accord real.”
The interim ATEC will continue operating while the Parliament finalises the legislation to establish the statutory Commission. Recruitment for the permanent statutory commissioners is underway, with applications due by 29 January 2026, and full appointments expected once the enabling legislation passes.
Sector reaction and the broader reform context
Universities Australia welcomed the interim appointments, noting the importance of ATEC in providing independent advice to government and guiding reform. The peak body said that, for a permanent Commission to succeed, it must be independent of government, adequately resourced, and guided by robust data to deliver tangible outcomes for institutions and students alike.
The Commission’s interim phase follows its initial establishment on 1 July 2025, also as part of the Accord’s implementation. Its transitional role has been to consult with stakeholders and frame the systems and relationships that will underpin the permanent body’s work, particularly around a more “joined up” tertiary system and future funding mechanisms.
However, ATEC’s journey has not been without controversy. Some universities have expressed concern that current legislation may limit the Commission’s independence, arguing that ministerial approval requirements and reliance on Education Department staff could constrain its ability to act as a truly independent steward of policy and strategy. Whether these concerns will shape the final form of the Commission remains a live question as the Parliament considers the enabling bill.
Looking ahead
Once fully established, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission is intended to play a central role in long-term higher education policy, including allocating future funding under new models, improving system performance and supporting equitable access and participation across the country. This includes potentially setting international caps, which Andrew Norton explored in his piece for TKN (8/1/26).
With the interim leadership now in place, the focus will be on maintaining momentum in the reform agenda as higher education grapples with demographic, economic and workforce challenges, and as stakeholders watch closely how the next phase of ATEC’s evolution unfolds.
Minister Clare’s media release can be seen here.
