The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Advisory Council (ATSIHEAC) provides advice to the Australian Government on enhancing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in higher education and research.
In developing this advice, the Council will consider issues such as:
- implementing of the findings of the Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Government responses to that Review
- the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap agenda and related targets.
The Council also presents awards and scholarships and plans to meet at least three times each year.
The Council was announced by the Australian Government and met for the first time in Perth on 17 December 2012.
Terms of Reference
ATSIHEAC’s Terms of Reference outline the Council’s purpose, approach to membership, functions and processes.
Membership
The current members of ATSIHEAC are:
- Professor Ian Anderson, University of Melbourne, Co-Chair and Executive Member
- Professor Jeanette Hacket, Curtin University of Technology, Co-Chair and Executive Member
- Professor Jill Milroy, University of Western Australia, Executive Member
- Ms Rosie Southwood, Wesfarmers Limited, Executive Member
- Professor Toni Downes, Charles Sturt University
- Professor Sandra Eades, The University of Sydney
- Professor Shane Houston, The University of Sydney
- Professor Steven Larkin, Charles Darwin University
- Professor Michael McDaniel, University of Technology, Sydney
- Professor Michael McManus, The University of Queensland
- Professor Andrew Wells, University of Tasmania
- Professor Greg Hill, University of the Sunshine Coast
- National Tertiary Education Union nominee, Ms Jillian Miller
- National Union of Students nominee, Mr John Leha
- Mr Russell Taylor, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Observer
ATSIHEAC members have been appointed from December 2012 until 30 June 2015.
Awards and Scholarships
In addition to advising the Australian Government, ATSIHEAC presents a number of awards and scholarships, including:
Previous Councils
The Council is preceded by the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC). Since its inauguration in 2004, IHEAC provided policy advice to the Australian Government on improving outcomes in higher education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff relating to their participation, retention and progression both in study and in employment.