Chief Minister Andrew Barr says he believes combining the University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology is the right outcome and he has learned a lot from the failed effort to bring them together 15 years ago.
A new agreement between the University of Canberra and the ACT government commits the two to exploring a dual-sector institution as they work on a shared vision for post-secondary education.
The university will also examine establishing an independent student union and has committed to supporting more elected members on its council.
The university's vice-chancellor, Bill Shorten, and Mr Barr unveiled the new statement of intent on Monday, outlining six shared priorities for the university covering courses offered, governance and future campus development.
"This marks an important new chapter for UC as Canberra's university. It establishes a clear framework for collaboration, transparency and accountability, enabling us to create greater opportunities for students and staff, support local industries and contribute to the prosperity of our region," Mr Shorten said.
"UC's success is Canberra's success, and we are setting a clear direction for the future, one that strengthens our university, grows the ACT's workforce capabilities, and delivers lasting economic and social benefits for everyone."
The civic partnership agreement said the university would prioritise courses and programs in areas that match the needs of the territory's workforce and public sector.
"This will include creating more streamlined pathways across the whole of tertiary education, positioning Canberra as a national sector leader in tertiary harmonisation," the agreement said.
"We will come together to develop a shared vision for the post-secondary educational environment that is centred around the learner experience and better meets emerging and future skills and industry need."
The agreement said the work would support the government's plan to back "knowledge-based economic growth" and make the national capital an attractive place to live, work, study and invest.
"We will achieve this through exploration of dual-sector establishment; more streamlined recognition of prior learning and experience; expansion of microcredentials, short courses and executive education; and better integration of work-integrated learning into the UC curriculum," the agreement said.
Mr Barr on Monday said he was aware of the risks and pitfalls in the process of bringing the university and the Canberra Institute of Technology together.
"I believe it's the right outcome," he said.
The Chief Minister said there was now a chance to look at the issue through fresh eyes and bring a 2026-27 perspective rather than revisiting what happened 15 years ago.
"The concept of a dual-sector institution is one that operates successfully in many parts of Australia. So there's no reason why it wouldn't work well here," he said.
"But it needs to be the detail needs to be worked through. But what we're signalling here and in principle level is this is a conversation we want to have."
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare this month said the ACT should examine merging the University of Canberra with the Canberra Institute of Technology.
"This is an idea we should explore. We need to break down the artificial barrier between TAFE and uni," Mr Clare said.
Mr Shorten on Monday said the "vibe" around a potential merger was unfinished business.
"And maybe now, 15 years on, people who might have thought something wasn't worth finalising then is now back on the table," he said.
Mr Shorten said he was keen to meet with union members who would be affected by the changes.
"I don't blame staff for saying at CIT, saying, just let us alone. And one thing to be clear, there are working models of dual-sector universities all around Australia, and it's not about saying one is better than the other. This would be a partnership of equals," he said.
On Monday, the new agreement between the government and the university will include a commitment to ensuring at least 40 per cent of the university's council is made up of elected representatives.
The existing 15-member council has four members elected by the university's academic staff, general staff, undergraduate students and postgraduate students.
The change is expected to require an amendment to University of Canberra Act 1989, the ACT law which establishes the public university.
The university will improve its reporting mechanisms to boost visibility and transparency of its performance.
The agreement also requires the university to satisfy the ACT government it is complying with new governance principles established by the federal government.
The university will also review and consolidate its statutes.
Development of the university's campus will be aligned with government plans for sustainability and infrastructure, and projects will improve public access, cultural life, health and sport, the agreement said.
"With a shared focus on breaking the silos between vocational, higher education, industry and government, so should the UC campus be a space where all members of our community feel a sense of connection and place," the agreement said.
"UC's focus on green campus development, net-zero procurement and sustainable infrastructure is also directly aligned with the ACT government's mission for a climate-ready city leading Australia's net-zero future."
Mr Barr said the statement of intent gave the university and the government a shared and transparent set of priorities that would help the university continue to earn the confidence of its community.
"Canberra's success has been built on education, skills, innovation and our ability to attract talented people from around Australia and the world," he said.
"The University of Canberra is one of the territory's most important institutions, and this refreshed partnership reflects just how much we value it."
