Regional education commissioner, former Nats senator and federal minister, Fiona Nash has just filed her first report.

It includes a “consideration” on regional, rural and remote issues the O’Kane Accord should address, including;

* whether policies and funding settings, enable regional universities “to meet the skills needs of regional communities,” notably in teaching and healthcare

* more Commonwealth Supported Places for the Murray Darling (med school) Network

* “explore” expanding the Regional University Centre programme  

* a “recognition” of the importance of student support, and encouraging universities to undertake “good practice”

There’s a fair chance Professor O’Kane and colleagues will be aware of these– Ms Nash is a member of the panel.