Public trust in Australia’s universities is at an all-time low. Once proud institutions of learning and public service, universities have become easy political targets — and in some cases, their own worst enemies. Years of funding shortfalls, casualisation, and creeping corporatisation have left many questioning what our universities stand for, and who they serve.

In his new Vantage Point essay, Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia's future, Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University Professor George Williams AO argues that Australia’s higher education system is at a crossroads. To secure their future, universities must reclaim their role as public institutions — putting students, staff and the community back at the heart of their mission.

Join Professor George Williams AO, the Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP and Professor Azadeh Dastyari, with Dr Alice Grundy as MC, for a conversation about how to rebuild trust in higher education, restore universities’ commitment to the public good, and ensure they remain vital to our democracy and national future.

Copies of Professor George Williams AO's Vantage Point essay, Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia's future, will be available for purchase on the night with a book signing to follow the panel discussion.

SPEAKERS:

Professor George Williams AO — Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University

Professor George Williams AO is the Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University. He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Law and Anthony Mason Professor at the University of New South Wales. He is a leading constitutional lawyer, co-author with Professor Megan Davis of Everything You Need to Know about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and author and editor of dozens more books. He has appeared as a barrister in the High Court and led major public inquiries.

The Honourable Dr Andrew Charlton MP — Federal Labor Member for Parramatta

Andrew Charlton is the Federal Labor Member for Parramatta. As an economist, business owner and former economic advisor to a Prime Minister, Andrew has the energy and experience to deliver a strong plan for Parramatta. Andrew’s plan for Parramatta will drive investment in our schools and hospitals, support businesses to create more secure and well-paying local jobs, and extend opportunity to all.

Professor Azadeh Dastyari — Director, Centre for Western Sydney

Professor Azadeh Dastyari is a leading scholar in human rights law, dedicated to challenging systemic inequality and transforming the conditions that silence and marginalise communities. Her work focuses on dismantling structural barriers and amplifying community-led solutions through rigorous research, deep collaboration, and strong public engagement.

Dr Alice Grundy — Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press

Dr Alice Grundy is an editor, researcher and teacher, with over 15 years’ experience working in book publishing, and a Visiting Fellow at ANU. She has worked for the public service and has taught at the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Melbourne and Australian National University. She completed a PhD on editing and publishing history at ANU, the first half of which became Editing Fiction: Three case studies from postwar Australia, published by Cambridge University Press.