Dr Monique Ryan MP invites you to a community Town Hall to discuss the state of tertiary education in Australia, including HECS indexation, the cost of degrees, and the need for meaningful sector-wide reform. 

This event will feature Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, and Felix Hughes, President of the National Union of Students. Professor Williams is one of Australia’s leading constitutional law experts and a prominent voice in public policy, while Felix Hughes brings a student perspective and lived experience of the tertiary education system. 

The discussion will cover the key challenges facing universities and students today, including affordability, accessibility, fair student fees, and the long-term sustainability of the sector. This will be followed by an open Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the panel. 

Please note that for those unable to attend in person, a recording of the discussion will be made available on Monique Ryan's YouTube channel shortly after the event.

Professor George Williams AO is the Vice-Chancellor and President at Western Sydney University. He is proud to lead an institution renowned for providing broad access to higher education and for achieving real-world impact through positive social, environmental and economic change in Western Sydney and globally. Professor Williams commenced as Western Sydney University's fifth Vice-Chancellor in July 2024, bringing decades of experience as a constitutional law scholar and teacher, senior leader in higher education, barrister and as a national thought leader. 

Felix Hughes is President of the National Union of Students, Australia's peak representative body for tertiary students and a student at Monash University. He represents more than 1.6 million students across Australia and advocates for a more affordable, accessible and equitable higher education system.