National tertiary education leaders will gather in Sydney next month to discuss how to make higher learning more attainable for all Australians, at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success’ (ACSES) national Policy Symposium.
Hosted at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) from September 9–10, the ‘Student Equity in an Era of Change 2025’ event will convene higher education executives, policymakers, international experts and student representatives to explore new strategies to make Australian universities more inclusive, accessible, and successful for students from all backgrounds.
The Symposium will spotlight evidence-informed solutions to support students with disability, expand alternative entry pathways and advance sector-wide progress on the recommendations of the Australian Universities Accord.
ACSES Executive Director Professor Shamit Saggar said the event comes at a critical time.
“With the Accord laying the foundation for long-term reform, this year’s Policy Symposium is a vital opportunity for universities to engage with practical, workable equity solutions—and to hear directly from students whose voices must be central to this change,” Professor Saggar said.
Delegates will hear from some of the sector’s most influential voices, including:
- The Hon Jason Clare MP, Commonwealth Minister for Education
- Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam, Shadow Minister for Education
- The Hon Fiona Nash, Regional Education Commissioner
- Professor Barney Glover AO, Jobs and Skills Commissioner
- Professor Verity Firth AM, Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, UNSW
- Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University
- Dr Tim Renick, Executive Director, National Institute for Student Success, Georgia State University (USA)
- Student leaders from across Australia, representing diverse equity groups and perspectives.
The event will also feature two major highlights:
- The official launch of Equity Insights 2025 — ACSES’s flagship annual publication, featuring contributions from Vice-Chancellors, student leaders, researchers, policymakers and community advocates about fairer higher education outcomes;
- The ACSES Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Impact on Higher Education Policy and Practice 2025 — celebrating outstanding individuals and initiatives making a transformative difference for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
ACSES Director of Research and Policy Professor Ian Li noted the event will bring together the people who shape policy with those who experience its impacts firsthand.
“It’s about listening, learning, and leading together,” Professor Li said.
ACSES would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney, for providing the venue and event support.
