Newsletter 28 June 2010
- Change in national leadership
- VET workforce survey – responses sought
- TDA National Conference - Hon. John Dawkins & Professor Greg Craven keynote speakers
- International student changes outlined in Parliament
- Skills Councils under review
- Upcoming consultations on Australian Qualifications Framework
- Diary Dates
Change in national leadership
It was an historic week in politics last week, with the Hon Julia Gillard announced as the new Prime Minister. TDA congratulates Ms Gillard on her new role. To view the Prime Minister’s first speech click here.
A reshuffle of the Government’s front bench is imminent. All eyes from the VET sector will be on the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio to be vacated by the Prime Minister. TDA will update members as any changes are announced.
VET workforce survey – responses sought
TDA is encouraging members to distribute a survey that will help shape TAFE’s response to a Productivity Commission report into the VET workforce. View the Commission’s issues paper here.
TDA will be making a submission to the Commission by 30 July, and asks members to arrange for a sample of staff from each Institution to complete the survey. Click here to view a letter to members from TDA.
Click here for the survey form. Please send responses to Pam Caven by COB Friday 2 July.
TDA National Conference - Hon. John Dawkins & Professor Greg Craven keynote speakers
Mr John Dawkins AO, the new Chair of TVET Australia, has accepted as a Keynote Speaker for the TDA National Conference, in Melbourne in September. Mr Dawkins is Chair of the Australian Qualifications Framework Council, which advises the MCTEE on the maintenance and development of the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Professor Greg Craven, Vice Chancellor, the Australian Catholic University, has confirmed to take part in a leadership conversation with the Chair of TDA, Bruce Mackenzie, on the Australian tertiary debate.
Dr. Mark Cully,Chief Economist for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will speak on skilled migration issues.
The Conference has attracted eminent speakers for this year, with the theme of ‘TAFE in the Year of the Tiger’. The Conference is to be held 13-14 September in Melbourne. A draft program is now available to view.
Early bird registrations are now open, visit the TDA website for more information.
International student changes outlined in Parliament
Changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act were outlined in Parliament last week by Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and now Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP.
The changes are in response to the first stage of the Baird Review into the international education sector. Some of the proposed changes include:
- strengthening the provider registration criteria
- an increase to the range of breaches that will incur financial penalties
- publishing of industry targets and reporting of regulatory activities
Consultations for the next set of changes will begin soon, and will focus on risk management and tuition protection.
To view the full media release about the changes click here.
Skills Councils under review
The effectiveness, funding and operation of Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) will be the focus of an inquiry by the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee.
Click here to see the full list of matters referred to the Committee. Some of these include:
- the role and effectiveness of Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) in the operation of the national training system particularly as it relates to states and territories and rural and regional Australia
- accountability mechanisms in relation to Commonwealth funding for the general operation and specific projects and programs of each ISC
Submissions are due by 6 August, and will be reported on 30 September.
Upcoming consultations on Australian Qualifications Framework
Feedback is being sought on the full package of specifications and policies that make up the strengthened Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
The AQF Council will release a consultation paper on 12 July, and is holding a number of presentations on it around the country.
To find a presentation in your capital city and to book your place click here
Diary Dates
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH (NCVER)
19th National 'No Frills' Research Conference
DATE: 7-9 July 2010
LOCATION: Central Institute of Technology, East Perth Campus, Perth
DETAILS: Click here for more information
VOC ED LEARNING GROUP
Investing in VET = Succeeding in VET
DATE: 5-6 August 2010
LOCATION: Sydney Convention Centre
DETAILS: Click here for more information
TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA
2010 National Conference: TAFE in the Year of the Tiger
DATE: 13-14 September 2010
LOCATION: Crown Promenade, Melbourne
DETAILS: Click here for more information
AUSTRALIAN COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION NETWORK
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Responding to Challenges
DATE: 30 September - 1 October 2010
LOCATION: Curtin University of Technology, Perth
DETAILS: Click here for more information
AUSTAFE CONFERENCE 2010
Leadership, Innovationa and Workplace Culture
DATE: 14-15 October 2010
LOCATION: Citigate Central, Sydney
DETAILS: Click here for more information
AAIR ANNUAL FORUM
2Has institutional research come of age in Australiasia?
DATE: 10-12 November 2010
LOCATION: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Geelong
DETAILS: Click here for more information
WISE SUMMIT
World Innovation Summit for Education
DATE: 7-9 December 2010
LOCATION: Sheraton Resort, Doha, Qatar
DETAILS: Click here for more information
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