Wednesday, 27 August 2025

RMIT University

Report 2024

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (17:34): I rise to speak on the RMIT University annual report. RMIT continue to shape our state, our communities and our future with their leadership in education, innovation and sustainability. As the member for Northern Metro I am proud to represent a region that is home to the RMIT city and Brunswick campuses. Both campuses are vibrant places of learning, research and deep social impact.

Very recently I had the good fortune of visiting RMIT with the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop and some truly inspiring students who know a lot more about technology than me. You see, these students that we met are part of a new work-integrated learning partnership between RMIT and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, bringing the future to life using cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality technologies. They are helping to design the station precincts of SRL East, shaping the communities of tomorrow while learning on the job today. They are doing it through a partnership that connects education, infrastructure and real-world outcomes. That is what modern education looks like: it is hands-on, it is industry linked and it is future focused. It is a powerful example of what RMIT does best: connecting students with opportunity, innovation, community and purpose.

Throughout the annual report, RMIT sets out a story that makes it clear that the university is committed to climate leadership, sustainability and public value. They are leading the way when it comes to action on climate change. In 2024 RMIT ranked first in Australia and eighth in the world in the QS sustainability rankings. RMIT also ranked in the top five in the Times Higher Education impact rankings. These are not just numbers, they are a recognition of how seriously RMIT takes its role in building a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable Victoria. That leadership is clear in projects like the coffee concrete footpath trial. It is actually very, very exciting. It is a world-first initiative, turning waste into a community solution. It is evident in the work of the sustainable technologies and systems research platform, where researchers are building real-world innovations in clean energy, low-carbon construction and circular economy design.

Right here in my electorate we are seeing the impact of this work through the City North Social Innovation Precinct, which starts across the road from Trades Hall and goes right down Swanston Street. This social innovation precinct’s vision is to bring together community, technology and industry to engage with major social challenges of our time, building workforce skills, inclusion and climate-focused innovation through cross-community collaboration, such as is necessary here in such an iconic part of Melbourne. Climate action is not just about technology, it is about people too and it is about equity. It is about ensuring that the benefits of this transition are shared by everyone. That is why I want to talk for a moment about RMIT’s earn-and-learn model, an education pathway that allows working people to study and skill up while they are doing paid employment. Whether it is engineering, planning or health, let me just say this model is helping build Victoria’s clean economy workforce while keeping equity and access at its heart. Something dear to me is the RMIT’s growing commitment to First Nations justice. This year the university contributed to the Yoorrook Justice Commission inquiry into tertiary education, confronting the past, listening to truth through testimonies and committing to changing their organisation and doing better for both Indigenous students and staff.

All over the world, I have got to let you know, RMIT’s international profile is being leveraged for global climate impact. With campuses in Vietnam and a research hub in Europe, the university is building bridges across borders to share climate solutions, foster international cooperation and support Victoria’s adaptation projects. This annual report offers clear evidence of an institution that is stepping up its responsibilities in a climate-challenged world. I commend the RMIT leadership team, the academics, staff, students and the broader community for their work. I look forward to seeing what is next for RMIT. I commend the RMIT 2024 annual report to the chamber.