Bradley Report

The Review of Australian Higher Education (The Bradley Report)

In December 2008, the Australian Government mandated a review of the Australian higher education system. The review was initiated in order to determine Australia’s potential future success in structure, organization, and finances in a globalized economy (Bradley, Noonan, Nugent, & Scales, 2008). Additionally, The Australian Government sought to meet the needs of the Australian community and economy and hoped to maintain a democratic, high standard of living (Bradley, et al., 2008). Resulting from the review, observations, conclusions, and recommendations were presented by the panel of investigators, led by Professor Denise Bradley.

 

The four most important aspects for Indigenous Australians in higher education as a result of the Review were:

• Access
• Success
• Retention
• Funding

Additionally, the student experience was a focus in the review finding that Indigenous centers are a vital service and students suggested stabilization of funding levels and adequate staffing to ensure the continuing provision of these services (Bradley et al., 2008).

Finally, The Bradley Report concluded that while the Australian higher education system has come a long way in developing equitable and accessible programs for Indigenous students, there are emerging threats requiring continued work in order to generate equity and higher enrollments for the future (Bradley et al., 2008).  In addition, it is recommended that "the Australian Government regularly reviews the effectiveness of measures to improve higher education access and outcomes for Indigenous people in consultation with the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council" in order to fully support the desires, values, and missions of the Indigenous people (Bradley, et al., 2008, p.xxiii; p. 159).

Full Report: http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Review/Documents/PDF/Higher%20Education%20Review_one%20document_02.pdf.