12804 (2026). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister for Tertiary Education

12804 (2026). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister for Tertiary Education: Were the TEC assessor’s recommendations applied consistently with the criteria in place for the 2025 Investment Round and why, if at all, is it important that in all cases, recommendations are applied consistently with the criteria in place for that specific year?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I have been informed by the Tertiary Education Commission that Assessor recommendations were applied consistently for the 2025 Investment Round. The TEC reviews its processes each year to ensure alignment with new Gazette notices and any annual updates to Plan Guidance. As a result, there may be minor variations in the recommendations used by TEC assessors from year to year. In all cases, recommendations are applied consistently with the criteria in place for that specific year. The TEC invests public funds and is required to meet obligations under the Education Act 2020. The TEC makes consistent decisions to ensure funds are invested appropriately.