The Australian Government will establish mission-based compacts with universities to provide a framework for jointly achieving the Government's reform objectives. The Government will work with each university to develop a compact that defines its particular mission and describes how it will fulfil that mission and support the Government's policy goals. The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (the Department of Innovation), the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the higher education sector are working closely on the development of compacts.
Between September and December 2009, the Department of Innovation and DEEWR met with universities to negotiate interim agreements for 2010. Interim agreements are precursors to compacts, which will commence with effect from 2011.
A summary of the key issues emerging from the discussions between the Commonwealth and the universities is available below.
SUMMARY OF INTERIM AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS WITH HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS
Summary of Interim Agreement Negotiations with Higher Education Providers 
Summary of Interim Agreement Negotiations with Higher Education Providers 
Individual interim agreements are available here.
MISSION-BASED COMPACTS FOR UNIVERSITIES: A FRAMEWORK FOR DISCUSSION
The Innovation Department is working closely with DEEWR on the development of compacts. Consultations concerning the compacts framework were undertaken with the higher education sector in August 2009 in response to a discussion paper released by the Government in July (see below).
Mission-Based Compacts for Universities: A framework for discussion
Mission-Based Compacts for Universities: A framework for discussion