[Watch] Universities and Australia's Future

Watch leading constitutional expert and university reform advocate Professor George Williams AO as he outlines the bold changes needed to restore trust in Australia’s higher education system, in conversation with The Fifth Estate host Sally Warhaft.
 

In this revelatory session, Professor George Williams AO drew upon his vantage point as Vice Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University to set out the bold reforms needed to rescue Australia’s higher education system. He argued for a sector that abandons self-interest, reinvests in its students and re-earns its social licence through transparency, integrity and genuine public engagement. 

With rare candour, Williams unpacked how trust in universities has faltered and what must change to ensure the next generation of critical thinkers, researchers and innovators inherit institutions capable of meeting the moment. Don’t miss watching this timely edition of the first of our 2026 editions of The Fifth Estate with host Sally Warhaft.

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Originally presented on Thursday 19 February 2026 by The Wheeler Centre.