A formal review of Open Learning Australia was conducted by the Centre for the Studies of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne, amongst whose comments included the following: OLA "should continue" and much credit was due to all concerned, who "despite difficulties inherent in the early stages of any major initiative, have shown an overriding commitment to the goal of widened access to quality tertiary education and the development of effective ways in which to achieve it". Open Learning Australia was established to implement the Australian Government's Open Learning Initiative with grants of $35 million. As an organisationally and technologically innovative alternative to campus based university studies, it makes tertiary education available to those unable to benefit from more conventional forms, building upon established distance education practices. Now, as Open Universities Australia, its main delivery method is through Internet-based studies and online learning. In 1999 Pritchard resigned from OLA to head his own education consulting company. From 2000 to 2008 he was a consultant in higher education for clients in Australia and overseas, directing projects concerned with program innovation and its efficient and effective implementation. Numerous consultancies involved the building of collaborative links between Australian and overseas universities to produce joint programs of study, in arts and sciences, business and hospitality with significant new international ‘double degrees’ being created as a result. Since early 2008 the design of theme-based tours and participation as a guest lecturer on international tours became his main activity. He published his personal memoir in 2008 titled Peering over the Balcony - A Life in Education. Anthony Pritchard died on 30 June 2012 leaving two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren. References Notes References A. L. Pritchard. "Open Learning Australia: an overview." ACU Bulletin of Current Documentation, Number 121, December 1995. Australian educational theorists 2012 deaths Australian chief executives 1940 births Queensland University of Technology alumni University of Goroka faculty Monash University faculty