The higher education system is driven by rules, processes and controls. The national interest needs it to change

In Features this morning John Howard (UTS) argues Commonwealth governments have failed to provide leadership and Australia needs an independent agency to do it. “A new higher education body would advise on policy, strategy and the allocation of funds. It would draw on the existing players, but more significantly, its work would be based on partnership and trust with providers,” he argues.

It’s an argument drawn from his new book, Rethinking Australian higher education .