TEQSA to establish new Higher Education Integrity Unit
TEQSA has welcomed Australian Government funding to strengthen the agency’s ability to identify and protect against risks to the integrity of the nation’s higher education sector.
Announced earlier today by the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, the Australian Government will provide $3.9 million per year to maintain the new Higher Education Integrity Unit within TEQSA to identify and analyse emerging risks and take pre-emptive action to assist the sector to address these threats.
‘This welcome investment will enable TEQSA to be more proactive in responding to risks to the integrity of Australia’s higher education sector, supporting the protection of student interests and the reputation of the sector,’ said TEQSA Chief Commissioner and Acting CEO Professor Nick Saunders.
‘The Higher Education Integrity Unit will continue TEQSA’s partnership approach, collaborating with higher education providers and other stakeholders to deliver a range of activities including data and intelligence analysis, provision of educational resources and establishing communities of practice.’
Areas of focus for the Higher Education Integrity Unit will change as circumstances require (following consultation with the sector, government and other stakeholders), but will include admission standards and information, academic and research governance integrity, student safety, foreign interference, cyber security, fraud and corruption. The integrity unit’s activities will not be subject to cost recovery.
The funding will also support TEQSA’s responsibilities under the Prohibiting Academic Cheating Services Bill which is currently before Parliament.
Media enquiries
Bryan Allchin, Assistant Director, Communications: comms@teqsa.gov.au, 0437 143 012