Opinion: Australia’s economic roundtable is missing its brains trust

Experts from across Australia are readying to converge on Canberra for the federal government's Economic Reform Roundtable this month. But despite its ambition to shape our nation's future, it's missing a critical voice: dual-sector universities.

This is not a matter of ego or institutional pride. It is a matter of national importance.

Dual-sector universities combine the breadth of higher education options in one place, from bachelor's degrees to PhDs, as well as vocational education and TAFE. They represent a prototype of what tomorrow's universities should look like, and can be the engine room of Australia's knowledge economy.

By bringing together all levels of tertiary education, they educate and prepare our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow, drive research and development, and partner with industry to solve some of the world's problems.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it best himself when announcing the roundtable: “This is a time when government has to step up, to invest in education and skills and research and innovation.”

Yet the roundtable is set to fail before it begins by excluding the voices of dual-sectors.

The few university chancellors who have been invited are worthy participants. Yet the absence of a dual-sector education leader is a missed opportunity.

Dual-sector institutions are capable of what no other tertiary institutions are capable of.

They provide education that bridges and combines skills and knowledge in a way that serves the needs of learners and industry alike.

At dual-sector universities, including my own, students, staff and research partners are quietly contributing to Australia's economic resilience.

As Swinburne demonstrated when hosting the launch of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance's 2025 Workforce Plan, we are uniquely placed to address skills gaps, kickstart careers, upskill industries and create the next generation of entrepreneurs.

If the government is serious about becoming a knowledge economy, we already have the blueprint for success sitting right in front of us. And yet, we don't have a seat at the table.

Let this be a moment of reflection. It's time we give dual-sector institutions the voice they deserve - because without them, Australia's economic future stands on very shaky ground.

Professor Pascale Quester is Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne University of Technology