From the outset, IRU Australia universities were research intensive, committed to pursuing new areas and applications of knowledge, responsive to their communities and aware of the changing roles of universities in an increasingly complex society. The member universities stress the importance of a strongly student-focussed learning environment, with schemes to promote access, equity, and diversity, and emphasise multiple modes of delivery, integrating the new educational technologies with high quality face-to-face teaching.

Focus and Aims
The IRU Australia will use the resources of the six universities to increase and extend the activities of the member universities in research, learning and teaching, international programs, commercial enterprises, regional initiatives and engagement with business, professions and communities. Joint activities will include combined bids for major projects, benchmarking and policy development.

The IRU Australia will advance the interests of its members to ensure high quality, well-resourced higher education contributing effectively in a global environment.

Guiding Principles
Principles have been established to guide the Group in its dealings with the Government and other stakeholders. These areas include:

• Learning and Teaching
• Research and Research Training
• Collaboration with Publicly Funded Agencies
• Engagement with Business and Industry
• Shaping the Future with the Community
• Access and Equity
• Internationalisation
• Relationship with Universities Australia
• Public Funding of Universities
• Mission, Governance, Autonomy, and Funding

For full descriptions of each of these areas, view the IRU Australia's Guiding Principles [pdf] document here.