Newsletter: 1st June 2009

    To find out more about the TDA09 Conference click here

    DPM announces international student roundtable

    The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, has invited international student representatives to participate in a roundtable to discuss issues affecting their study and safety in Australia.

    Nominations will soon be called for participants across all sectors and states who can represent the views of international students on issues including accommodation, welfare and safety

    The findings will be taken to the Ministerial Council on Tertiary Education meeting to be held later in the year.

    To view Ms Gillard’s speech click here.

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    Reponses sought for AQF Council consultation paper

    TDA members have received a copy of theAustralian Qualifications Council’s Consultation Paper Strengthening the AQF.

    The proposal includes measures to enhance the objectives of the framework and create a more contemporary AQF architecture

    The Australian Qualifications Council has requested a response to its proposal by 12 June 2009. TDA members are invited to send comments on the AQFC paper to Pam Caven at pamcaven@bigpond.com by Friday 5 June.

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    Children’s services and aged care top government’s training places

    More than 40,000 participants have completed training under the Productivity Places Program, according to new figures released by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

    Since April 2008, some 110,000 participants have enrolled in the program. Of these participants, more than 86,000 have commenced training and more than 40,000 have completed their training. Children’s services and aged care were the occupations with the most enrolments.

    To view release from the Deputy Prime minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, click here.

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    Calling for member input on migration and disability

    The Federal Government has announced the terms of reference for an inquiry relating to the health requirement in the Migration Act. The terms of reference of this report can be accessed here.

    The inquiry specifically relates to those seeking permanent residency in Australia, however it has come to TDA's attention that international students with disabilities are seeking fully funded access to services that have not been accounted for in international student support services.

    Members who have any cases of international students with disabilities, issues of granting visas and funding support services please contact Rebecca Biazos.

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    Chile Australia technical scholarship

    TAFE Directors Australia is pleased to report that plans are on track for the launch of the 2010 Chile technical scholarships program.

    Some 27 member institutes are now confirmed as part of the program and have submitted their program offerings to BECAs Chile. The industry is now assessing these options and will confirm the allocation of up 400 places in a range of courses to commence 2010.

    TDAs Director International Engagement, Ms Rebecca Biazos, was the guest of the Chilean Ambassador to Australia at an event last Friday. The event was attended by key partners in Australia Latin America relations with the purpose of wishing Australia’s Ambassador Designate, Virginia Greville well in her new posting.

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    Swine flu information website

    The h3N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) is beginning to gain pace with more than 300 reported cases in Australia.

    Numerous schools have been temporarily shut due to the virus. The government has included information for individuals, schools and businesses on its Heath Emergency Website. For more information about the virus visit the website here.

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    VET researcher of the Year Award – call for nominations

    Nominations for the 2009 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Researcher of the Year Award will close Friday, 12 June 2009.

    The award aims to promote the value of high quality research as the foundation for improving policy and practice in the VET sector.

    To nominate a VET Researcher click here.

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    Diary Dates

    COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HEALTH INDUSTRY SKILLS COUNCIL
    Mind the Gen Gap – Working together to meet workforce challenges
    DATE: 2 June 2009
    LOCATION: Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour Sydney
    DETAILS: For more information, click here
    LH MARTIN INSTITUTE
    Professional Development for Leaders in Tertiary Education
    DATE:

    15-19 June, Canberra – Women in Leadership

    26–30 July, Melbourne - Research Leadership Program
    DETAILS: For more information click here.
    NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (NCVER)
    18th NCVER Conference: ‘No Frills’
    DATE: 8-10 July 2009
    LOCATION: University of Ballarat, Mt Helen Campus
    DETAILS: For more information click here.
    TERTIARY STUDIES EXPO
    TSXPO
    DATE: 18-19 July 2009
    LOCATION: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
    DETAILS: For more information, click here
    2009 AUSTAFE Conference
    Network knowledge future: the only edge you need
    DATE: 2-4 September 2009
    LOCATION: Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay Queensland
    DETAILS: Click here for more information
    TDA09 – The 2009 conference and strategic review for TDA members and associates Hosted by TDA
    DATE: 3-4 September 2009
    LOCATION: Holiday Inn, Gold Coast
    DETAILS: More information will be available soon.
    AUSTRALIAN TRAINING MARKETING CONFERENCE 2009
    Connect, engage, captivate - hosted by Australian Training Marketing
    DATE: 11- 13 November 2009
    LOCATION: Ultimo TAFE, Sydney
    DETAILS: www.atmaltd.com.au
    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
    3rd National Conference for Enabling Education
    DATE: 25-27 November 2009
    LOCATION: Toowoomba Queensland
    DETAILS: Click here for more information

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