Chair's Message

Emeritus Professor John Hay AC

Welcome to the website of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council the flagship for acknowledging excellence in learning and teaching nationally in higher education.

I was delighted to be asked to be the foundation Chair of the Board following the Australian Government's decision to develop a new institute to provide a national focus for enhancing learning and teaching in Australian higher education.

I can't think of an undertaking in government or in education which is more at the core and the conscience of higher education, because it does something that is very real. We get mixed up between mechanisms, means and ends, we think that numbers or awards or graduations are important.  The truth is that people are the focus - the student, the teacher, the support staff. The goal is the personal development of each individual according to their ambitions and endeavours.

In the relatively short time it has existed the ALTC has already established itself as a significant and influential presence in Australian higher education. This has been possible only because of the enthusiastic and practical support we have received from all those with a keen interest in ALTC aims and priorities.The Board and I look forward to supporting the continued engagement of the ALTC with the higher education sector and the wider community to ensure the Council makes the most effective contribution possible to advance teaching and learning.