Most of us would agree that a strong higher education system is crucial for a functioning democracy and economic prosperity. 

However, a 2024 review found the system broken and in urgent need of reform. Major issues include an over-reliance on international enrolments, widespread casualisation, academic burnout, political interference in research and teaching, lack of national coordination, and the long-term impact of funding cuts. 

These challenges threaten the sector's ability to produce well-educated citizens and maintain its role in society. Urgent action is needed to restore higher education’s capacity to serve both national and global interests.

In this episode of Gleetalks, Emeritus Professor Graeme Turner AO talks to Adjunct Professor Hannah Forsyth about the misconceptions around academic life, revealing the possible solutions to the higher education sector’s malaise.

Like what you heard? Buy your copy here.

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