A place for regional universities in the new order

Australian universities have, in the last five years, undergone massive restructuring and change. Much of the change and the resultant convulsion of the system were caused by the direct intervention of the Federal Government. However, the major change that occurred in the last five years has yet to be fully addressed by the universities. That change is the significant shift in Australia to a system of mass higher education. The challenge ahead for Australian higher education is to develop a system that will provide access for all who are eligible to participate, will be quality driven and will not restrict entry because of the cost.