For some time, the AHA has advocated for amendments to the oversight of the Australian Research Council and the impact of ministerial interference on Australia’s local academic freedoms and international research reputation. The AHA welcomes the passage of the ARC Amendment Bill 2023 through the Commonwealth Parliament last month. The bill, which was informed by the ARC Review led by Professors Margaret Sheil, Susan Dodds and Mark Hutchinson, provides for the establishment of an independent ARC Board, and ensures that ministers will no longer be in a position to interfere in National Competitive Grants Program funding decisions for political purposes (except where national security concerns arise). We hope that the passage of this legislation ensures that the era of politicising research for partisan purposes is at an end.