An Introduction to Tertiary Access Group
Tertiary Access Group is a co-operative representing University and TAFE associations across Australia. Its members service in excess of 1,000,000 students, 150.000 faculty and staff, and 1.5 million community users of tertiary facilities nationally. TAG is committed to supporting and developing the business interests of its members as they pursue their individual goals of servicing students.
Registered in 1999 under the Cooperatives Act NSW, and driven by a commercial imperative to leverage the value of the large volumes of annual sales that are represented by member associations operating commercial outlets, TAG evolved initially as ACUMA Buying Co-operative Limited from and as a sister organisation to, ACUMA Inc, which performs a primarily peak representative and professional development role.
With the passing of the Voluntary Student Unionism legislation at the end of 2005, the importance of ACUMA Buying's aggregated purchase volumes was highlighted as Member associations sought to replace lost fees in order to survive.
In mid 2007, Members agreed to a change of name, Tertiary Access Group, which more clearly represented the aims and capabilities of the organisation in the changing tertiary education landscape. This was illustrated in 2008 by our growing involvement with marketing, advertising and promotional activity.
Our co-operative has steadily grown from its NSW origins to become a truly national body that now represents 69 Members on over 190 campuses nationally. In 2010, TAG delivered benefits to its Members in excess of $11M.
Over recent years we have strengthened our ties with other tertiary organisations such as ACUMA Inc, Australian University Sports, and Australasian Association of Campus Activities (AACA). and have also introduced our Benefits Partner program. As a result, TAG will continue to present even more valuable opportunities for those seeking to partner strategically with our Members to access the tertiary student marketplace.
Membership is restricted to tertiary service providers and is by a once-only purchase of shares, the amount of which is dependant upon the number of students enrolled at the Member association’s tertiary institution. Enquiries regarding Membership should be made to the General Manager, Andrew Leontarou