October 7, 2025
Most face-to-face events and all online events conducted by the Royal Society of New South Wales are recorded and made available for subsequent viewing on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/royalsocnsw.
In Sydney, on the evening of 1 October, the Society held its 1335th OGM that was followed by a captivating panel discussion on the topic ‘Have universities become too political?‘ between the Hon. Bill Shorten, the former Cabinet Minister and now Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra, and Professor Merlin Crossley AM FRSN, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academy Quality) at UNSW Sydney.
Their conversation centred on the challenges and future of Australian universities. Bill Shorten reflected on his transition from politics to academia, emphasising the importance of public service and the transformative power of education. They discussed the perception of universities in Australia, noting that despite having millions of graduates, universities are often criticised as being expensive, self-referential, and disconnected from broader society.
The key issues discussed included the financial pressures facing universities, such as student debt, research funding, and the reliance on international students. Bill Shorten highlighted the need for universities to collaborate rather than compete, suggesting that duplication of courses and infrastructure is wasteful. He advocated for specialisation among institutions and questioned the sustainability of having 40 comprehensive universities in Australia.
The discussion also touched on the political landscape, with references to government policies like the Job Ready Graduate program and fee-free TAFE, and the need for bipartisan support for higher education. Bill Shorten stressed the importance of universities in fostering critical thinking, innovation, and social cohesion, and called for a renewed narrative that celebrates their contributions. Personal anecdotes about family and the value of lifelong learning underscore his vision for universities as inclusive, adaptive institutions that support students and staff throughout their lives. Their conversation concluded with a call to rethink strategies, embrace collaboration, and better communicate the societal value of higher education.
If you missed the face-to-face event, a recording of their discussion is now available on our YouTube channel.
