In the Sector
Federal Budget, workplace equity and STEMM funding
The 2026-27 Federal Budget delivered a mixed picture for the STEMM sector and for the communities SAGE serves. There are positives, particularly for medical research and for Australian researchers’ access to global funding.
One key challenge remains unresolved: a contracting research funding environment tends to disproportionately disadvantage early-career researchers and those from underrepresented groups. This budget does not fully resolve that pressure.
Horizon funding — opportunities await
The budget included funding for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe. Treaty negotiations concluded last week, putting Australia on track to access the $155b research program, the world’s largest, from next year. SAGE members are well positioned here, as Horizon funding access includes gender equity prerequisites.
While many SAGE members already meet these requirements, we are developing guidance to help those earlier in their SAGE Athena Swan journey to identify gaps and qualify for Horizon funding.
Read more of our Federal Budget Summary for STEMM sectors and the communities SAGE serves.
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Equity champions receive King’s Honours
Several SAGE and sector equity champions were recognised in the recent King’s Honours list.
Professor Anthony Masters was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to tertiary education and governance. The University of Sydney professor has served as the university’s SAGE Co-Chair since 2018.
Also awarded an AM was Professor Carolyn Oldham from the University of Western Australia. Professor Oldham served as the university’s SAGE Athena Swan Lead from 2015 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020.
Others honoured for their work in workplace gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the tertiary education and STEMM sectors were:
- Companion of the Order of Australia (AC):
- Natasha Stott Despoja AO, United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; Commissioner, South Australian Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024–25; founding chair of Our Watch.
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO):
- Helen Conway, Founding CEO, Workplace Gender Equality Agency
- Professor Margaret Schnitzler, the University of Sydney; Northern Sydney Local Health District Chair, Advancing Women in Medical Leadership Working Group
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM):
- Emeritus Professor Jennifer Edwards, University of Technology Sydney; co-established Women in Engineering and IT Program, 1981–2018
- Lisa Annese, CEO, Diversity Council Australia, 2014–2025
- Scientia Professor Louise Chappell, University of NSW; Project Team Leader, The Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine, 2020–2024
Tertiary Education Roadmap consultation
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is seeking feedback on its A more joined-up tertiary system: discussion paper.
The paper is part of ATEC’s work leading the development of a Tertiary Roadmap to better support students to move into and between the VET and higher education sectors, and ensure the tertiary system is set up to help learners gain the skills and qualifications that match current and future workforce needs.
Find out more
People with disabilities to comprise majority of committees that govern use of disability grants
New Federal Government guidelines require each publicly funded university to establish a disability governance committee as an eligibility condition for grants from the Disability Support Fund.
The committees, which must be comprised mainly of people with disabilities including students, will oversee and provide advice on the use of Disability Support Fund grants.
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