About The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is the independent steward for Australia's higher education system.

Established in 2026, ATEC provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the higher education sector delivers on the government's commitment to lift tertiary education attainment to 80 per cent of working-aged people by 2050 while raising equity participation and outcomes. We work collaboratively with universities, vocational education and training providers, governments, students and industry to drive reform across the sector.

Help shape a more inclusive higher education system.

The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals with lived experience of disability and/or significant expertise in disability inclusion in higher education to serve on the Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC).

The DIAC will play a critical role in advising ATEC – and through ATEC the Australian Government – on reforms that will improve supports for and the experience of students and staff in higher education.

The ATEC is seeking qualified individuals to serve an initial three-year term on the DIAC.

This is an opportunity to help shape a more inclusive, equitable and accessible higher education system for all Australians. We encourage applications from people who are passionate about driving meaningful and lasting change.

The key duties of the position include:

About the Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee

The DIAC is established under the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026 and reports directly to ATEC. Its broad role is to:

- Represent the perspectives of people with disability and the broader disability community regarding higher education reforms and initiatives.
- Advise on initiatives to improve access, participation, success and graduate outcomes for students with disability.
- Support the development of a disability-affirming culture in the higher education system.
- Guide wider consultation by ATEC with the disability community and other relevant stakeholders on matters that impact them.





The DIAC will contribute to the development of advice on such specific matters as data strategy, governance and standards, institutional capability and inclusive teaching and learning.

Your time and commitment

The DIAC is expected to meet at least quarterly, primarily through virtual meetings, with occasional in-person meetings as required. Members may also be asked to review papers and contribute to out-of-session work between meetings, including sector consultation.

Appointments will be for a term of up to three years. Remuneration and allowances will be provided, as specified in letters of appointment.

Diversity and inclusion

ATEC is committed to ensuring the DIAC reflects the diversity of the Australian disability community.

We strongly encourage applications from:

- First Nations peoples.
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- People living in regional, rural and remote Australia.
- People of diverse genders and sexualities.
- People with experience across different disability types and support needs.

Reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the recruitment and appointment process.

Duties and Responsibilities

As the Chair of the DIAC, you will be responsible for:

- Working with ATEC Commissioners to agree a workplan for the DIAC.
- Running meetings of the DIAC.
- Providing advice to ATEC on issues related to people with disability in higher education.
- Overseeing and clearing policy and discussion papers on issues related to people with disability in higher education.
- Contributing to design and implementation of engagement and consultation exercises on matters affecting people with disability in higher education, as needed.

As Committee Member of the DIAC, you will be responsible for:





- Providing advice to ATEC on issues related to people with disability in higher education.
- Collaborating with ATEC staff, other Committee Members and the ATEC to identify opportunities to improve the participation and success of people with disability in higher education.
- Contributing ideas to policy and discussion papers on issues related to people with disability in higher education.
- Participating in engagement and consultation exercises on matters affecting people with disability in higher education, as needed.

Eligibility

Citizenship - Applicants must be Australian citizens.

Getting to know the Department of Education

The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning. A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school. For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation. As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams. An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A strong higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an chance to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education. Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.

📌 Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee Members (Perth)
🏢 Department Of Education
📍 Perth