Higher Education Standards Panel

The Higher Education Standards Panel (the Panel) is an expert Advisory Body established under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act 2011). The Panel was established to provide independent advice to the Commonwealth Minister(s) responsible for tertiary education and research. The Panel's work is independent of the quality assurance agency, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The primary functions of the Panel are to advise and make recommendations to the Minister – either at the Minister’s request or the Panel’s own initiative on making, varying the Higher Education Standards Framework (the Standards); and other matters relating to the Standards. The Panel is responsible for advice on how to maintain the quality and standards of Australia’s higher education system. The Panel can also advise and make recommendations to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) on matters relating to the Standards – either at TEQSA’s request or the Panel’s own initiative. The Panel must consult interested parties in carrying out its work. If needed, the Panel can establish advisory committees to assist it in performing any of its functions.