APEN Statement on the Universities Accord (ATEC) Reforms
November 26 2025
APEN Statement on the Universities Accord (ATEC) Reforms
The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) welcomes The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education's
commitment to expanding opportunity and addressing long-standing inequity across Australia’s tertiary system. The Minister’s speech made clear that too many learners from poor families remain locked out of both university and TAFE. Pasifika communities sit inside this data gap, yet are not named, counted, or supported in ways that match their real experiences and needs.
APEN strongly supports the introduction of demand-driven equity, needs-based funding, and the creation of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. These reforms offer real potential to reshape access, strengthen student support, and address structural disadvantage.
To make this work for Pasifika communities, APEN calls for:
-
a national Pasifika identifier across all tertiary data systems
-
recognition of Pasifika learners as a priority equity group
-
culturally responsive and Pacific-led approaches in policy, programs, and evaluation
-
meaningful engagement with Pasifika educators, researchers, and communities
-
alignment between VET and higher education that reflects how Pasifika learners actually move across systems
Our Constitution commits us to relieving educational disadvantage and improving public welfare for Pasifika communities. These reforms can advance that goal, but only if Pasifika voices are included in design, governance, and reporting.
APEN stands ready to work with the Minister, the Department, and ATEC to ensure Pasifika learners are visible, supported, and positioned to thrive.
Australian Pasifika Educators Network Executive
Media Release:
APEN Conference 2025
November 2025
APEN Brings Pasifika Educators Together for 2025 National Conference
The Australian Pasifika Educators Network will bring together educators, leaders, families, and students for APENCONF2025 at Griffith University Logan on Friday 28 November 2025. The conference theme, Shifting the Current: Pasifika Blueprints for Education, focuses on practical actions to improve Pasifika learner outcomes across Australia’s education systems. The program draws on community knowledge, sector expertise, and emerging research.
Three key sessions shape the day.
Shifting the Current: Pasifika Blueprints for Education
A keynote session on the shifts needed across schools, universities, and policy settings. Speakers will share work taking place across Australia and outline areas where change is required to support Pasifika learners.
Reading the Tides Together: Learners, Families and Future Leaders
A panel discussion on culturally grounded learning. The session looks at family engagement, Indigenous knowledge, shared leadership, and community-led practices that support learner success.
Navigating Leadership Pathways
A session on how Pasifika educators and professionals move into leadership roles. Speakers will outline what supported their journeys, the challenges they faced, and actions that can strengthen pathways across education and community sectors.
Program topics include - culturally responsive teaching, leadership development, student transition and success, research and evidence, equity and policy, data trends, community partnerships, identity and wellbeing, professional learning, sector collaboration, and Pasifika-focused scholarship initiatives.
The conference will begin with a Welcome to Country and an Ava Ceremony led by Le Fale Aganu’u.
The program will run from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Event Details
Date: Friday 28 November 2025
Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: Griffith University Logan Campus, Queensland
Media release: Australian Pasifika Educators Network recognised with Pacific Award
August 2025
Australian Pasifika Educators Network recognised with Pacific Events/Programs Award
The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) has been honoured with the Pacific Events and Programs Award for its Biennial Conference – the first national Pacific education conference in Australia led by and for Pacific peoples.
The APEN Biennial Conference provides a unique platform for Pacific educators, students, researchers, and community leaders to come together to share knowledge, strengthen identity, and shape the future of education. First launched online in 2021, the conference has since grown into a landmark event in the national education landscape. The 2023 conference, held on Darug Country in Western Sydney, marked its first in-person gathering, attracting participants from across Australia and the Pacific.
APEN Co-Director and Founder Bronwyn Williams said the recognition highlights the importance of Pacific leadership in education.
“This award is an important recognition of Pacific excellence and leadership in education. The APEN Biennial Conference is about creating space for Pacific peoples to lead conversations, share knowledge, and influence change. It demonstrates what is possible when communities come together with purpose and vision – and we are proud that this work is being acknowledged on a national stage.” – Bronwyn Williams, Co-Director and Founder, Australian Pasifika Educators Network
Organised by a volunteer network of educators and leaders working across schools, universities, government, and community sectors, the conference is held every two years. It remains the only national forum dedicated to Pacific-led dialogue and action in education.
Looking Ahead: APEN Conference 2025
Planning is now underway for the next APEN Biennial Conference, which will be held in Brisbane in 2025. The event will continue to expand its reach and impact, providing a culturally safe and affirming space for Pacific voices to influence education policy, practice, and leadership across Australia and the region.
About APEN
The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) was established in 2022 to advance equity and cultural responsiveness in education. APEN brings together Pacific educators, leaders, and allies to amplify Pacific voices, support Pacific learners, and influence systemic change across Australia.
Media release: Pasifika communities in Australia report
August 30 2023
Empowering Pasifika communities in Australia: new insights unveiled
In a major stride towards cultural understanding and community empowerment, the Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) reveals a new report delving into Pasifika communities in Australia.
The ‘Pasifika communities in Australia’ report, authored by APEN with researchers from the Centre for Western Sydney, Western Sydney University, leverages data from the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics census to highlight the contributions and challenges facing Pasifika communities.
Cultural richness and deep-rooted connections
APEN defines those who share genealogical, spiritual, and cultural bonds with the Pacific region—including Aotearoa, New Zealand—Pasifika communities are fostering a unique and vibrant cultural heritage within Australia.
A decade unveiled: Tracing progress and trends
Building upon the groundwork laid by Professor Jioji Ravulo's 2015 ‘Pacific Communities’ report, based on the 2011 census, this reflective analysis traces the trends that have emerged over the last decade. While encompassing various facets of Pasifika life, special attention is centred on education as a cornerstone for advancing Pasifika communities in Australia.
Rising demographics and unyielding resilience
The report spotlights the remarkable surge of Pasifika communities throughout Australia. Currently at 415,033 individuals, this marks an astounding increase of 165,000 since 2011. This burgeoning growth elevates the Pasifika population to comprise 1.6% of Australia's total, a significant surge from their 0.6% representation in 2011. Despite these promising figures, the report also highlights the challenge of lower life expectancy, significantly below the national average of 83 years.
Education: Illuminating pathways
Within the realm of education, the analysis showcases encouraging advancements in Pasifika engagement across early childhood, primary, and secondary levels. Since 2011 there has been a substantial increase in Year 12 or equivalent completion rates. However, the journey to higher education is an ongoing pursuit, with Pasifika individuals predominantly focusing on certificate-level education. These findings demonstrate the importance of Pasifika communities as a key equity group that must be supported through the Australian Universities Accord and the future of Australia’s higher education system.
Economic landscape and workforce dynamics
Navigating economic disparities with resilience, Pasifika individuals in Australia continue to leave an indelible mark. The report underscores persistent wage gaps, where Pasifika communities earn less than their counterparts despite comparable work hours. Dominance in sectors like health care, social assistance, construction, manufacturing, and postal and warehousing is evident. Yet, more ground must be covered in professional, education, training, scientific, and technical domains. The echoes of COVID-19 reverberate in the form of increased government assistance, especially within the unemployed demographic.
Nurturing families and fostering community
Well known for their affinity towards more prominent families, Pasifika communities reflect cultural values in this regard. The report highlights a nuanced shift toward slightly smaller family sizes over the decade, though maintaining a distinct lead over the average Australian household. Communal childcare responsibilities thrive within these extended families, fortifying a sense of unity and mutual support.
Lifestyles and unity in diversity
The report accentuates the proclivity of Pasifika communities toward larger, multi-family residences, a testament to their commitment to communal living and harmony. Notably, Pasifika households comprising eight or more members surpass the general Australian population.
Informing inclusive policies for a harmonious future
Leveraging case studies to underscore the imperative of place-specific insights, the report highlights the Western Sydney region where Pasifika communities make up approximately 25% of Australia’s total Pasifika population. These insights are key to shaping policies attuning to these communities' unique needs and challenges, fostering inclusivity and societal cohesion.
"Education emerges as a beacon of progress for Pasifika individuals, illuminating the path to a brighter future. This is particularly significant in contexts such as Western Sydney, where place-based educational support, and targeted employment opportunities provide key pillars essential for fostering equity where it is most needed.", Dr. Rhonda Itaoui, Director, Centre for Western Sydney (report co-author).
Tofa Amanda Moors-Mailei, co-author and APEN Co-chair/Co-founder, emphasises, “Within the folds of Pasifika families and households lies a profound unity, an embodiment of their resilience. This research resonates beyond culture, guiding policies that nurture strong, diverse communities across the nation."
Please download the complete report here, or for any media enquiries please contact us directly.