The Australian Technology Network might accept the government’s new student funding legislation

The peak group is expected to suggest a range of changes to the package, including:

* moving the funding mechanism for the proposed National Priorities and Industry Linkages Fund, for research, to the legislation. It is now in the attached regulations

* similarly moving indexation for Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding from regulations to the proposed act

* demand driven access for remote and regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students be expanded to cover all aspiring ATSI students, regardless of residence

ATN also is expected to ask for further consultation on student protection measures. It has previously warned that as they stand, these are largely adapted from responses to the VET FEE HELP catastrophe and as such are not easily applied to HE, (CMM August 18).

ATN is also understood to be concerned by the slumbering stuff-up in the funding package, the discipline- based funding rates for teaching, notably for STEM subjects. It is expected to ask the government for a review of the existing model.

If the ATN announces it can live with the legislation it will join three other peak bodies with positions ranging from ambivalence to endorsement.

Universities Australia says its members, “are pleased the government has heard the sector by making changes,” (CMM August 28).  The Innovative Research Universities proposes amendments, but “supports the need for the package overall,” (CMM August 18). And the Regional University Network, “fully supports the timely passage of the bill.”