The government wants to stop industry associations interfering in university course content and standard- setting in the guise of protecting professional standards) and it looked like it strong university support. “Limiting the role of professional accreditation to clearly defined and profession-specific matters is, appropriate, the Innovative Research Universities group said.

But a learned reader advises that the Australian Business Deans Council is not completely keen. Indeed – the deans do warn of a “potential to undermine the ability of professional bodies to raise standards.” They also worry that regulator TEQSA getting involved might “interfere” with accreditation by international bized associations, notably the US AASCB and European EQUIS.

And then there is the dean’s concern with: “the impact on business schools if the proposed private sector compliance with TEQSA standards leads to them establishing courses in competition to business schools.” Competition? Good lord!