The review into the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Review) has concluded. The Australian Government has released the final report and its response to the review. New legislation bolstering the ARC’s independence and enhancing its role in supporting Australian research came into force on 1 July 2024.
On this page:
Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Act 2024
The Act was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 2 April 2024, enabling changes under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 from 1 July 2024.
Australian Research Council Board
On 26 June 2024, the Hon Jason Clare MP announced the appointment of the new ARC Board:
- Professor Peter Shergold AC (Chair)
- Professor Susan Dodds FAHA (Deputy Chair)
- Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter
- Professor Cindy Shannon AM
- Professor Paul Wellings CBE
- Emeritus Professor Margaret Harding
- Mr Mark Stickells AM
- Ms Sally-Ann Williams FTSE
The Board will be supported by two key advisory committees to provide guidance and advice about ARC priorities and strategies – the ARC Advisory Committee, and a new ARC Indigenous Forum.
Government Response
The Australian Government response was announced on 22 August 2023. The Australian Government agreed, or agreed in principle, to all 10 recommendations of the ARC Review.
Final report
Trusting Australia’s Ability: Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001.
The final report on the findings of the ARC Review was released on 20 April 2023.
Background
An independent review into the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Review) considered the role and purpose of the Australian Research Council (ARC) within the university research system so it can meet current and future needs.
The Review considered how the ARC’s legislation can be developed to provide clarity on objectives and processes to drive renewed focus within the organisation. The Review also considered whether the scope of the current legislation is sufficient to support an effective and efficient university research system.
On 30 August 2022 the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education announced the ARC Review and appointed Professor Margaret Sheil AO (Panel Chair), Professor Susan Dodds and Professor Mark Hutchinson to manage the review process.
The independent ARC Review Panel was tasked with the following Terms of Reference.
Consultation
ARC Review
The ARC Review Panel released a consultation paper on 9 November 2022 and invited public submissions. Submissions closed on 14 December 2022. A total of 223 submissions were received from stakeholders in response to the consultation paper.
The Review Panel also held targeted consultations with a range of stakeholders through meetings and focus groups.
Amendments to the ARC Act
On 30 October 2023, the department invited submissions from higher education research peak bodies and representative groups, and other interested parties, on proposed amendments to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act).
Submissions closed on 6 November 2023. A total of 11 submissions were received in response to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 – Proposed Amendments Consultation Paper October 2023.