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Newsletter: 24 September 2007
2007 TDA NATIONAL CONVENTIONFEDERAL GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR STATES TO REFORM TAFE The 2007 TAFE Directors Australia National Convention began today in Melbourne with Federal Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb, calling for greater autonomy for TAFE Institutes to allow for closer working relationships with local business and industry. Minister Robb called for TAFEs to have the same level of autonomy as universities in deciding their future. “Our continued involvement with the States will be contingent on the States delivering autonomy to TAFEs - autonomy at least equal with universities,” Mr Robb said. The Minister’s address was welcomed by TDA Chief Executive, Martin Riordan, who said the government’s position was in line with TDA’s call for greater independence for Institutes. To view Minister Robb’s speech click here. To view TDA’s media release click here. [Return to Top]TDA RELEASES ELECTION MANIFESTO AT 2007 CONVENTIONThe TDA National Convention has kicked-off with the release of a TDA Election Manifesto titled: TAFE Directions 2007: Balancing Tertiary Education. The package details a series of proposals for the incoming Australian Government to more effectively address Australia’s worsening skills crisis. It aims to bring far-reaching reform to TAFE in its effort to continue expansion, and create historic parity with universities to balance career choice for school leavers and mature aged workers. One highlight of the package is TAFE Directors’ call for an incoming Government to establish a TAFE Endowment Fund -- modelled on the $6 billion Higher Education Endowment Fund announced in the 2007 Budget. To view the announcement and a summary of the Manifesto click here. 2007 TAFE CAPABILITY REPORT RELEASED IN INDIATDA Chair, Deb Daly, has released the TAFE Australia Capability Report 2007 in New Delhi as part of an Australian VET Investment Mission to India. The Capability Report showcases TAFE’s ability to lead in innovation. To view the Report click here. AUTONOMY AND FUNDING HIGH ON TAFE CEO’s AGENDASTAFE Directors and CEOs have signalled autonomy and a new funding model for TAFE colleges as critical to resolving skill shortages in the 2007 National CEOs Survey, launched on the eve of the 2007 TDA National Convention. Martin Riordan, Chief Executive of TAFE Directors Australia, said the National Survey flagged a clear message that further reform would be strongly supported by leadership of the TAFE sector. To see the full media release and ranked priorities click here. INTERNATIONAL TENDERS – AEITenders have been called from TAFE Institutes for the following projects: Development of a niche marketing strategy for VET for the mining sector in Latin America (PRN 16490 – closes 25 September 2007) A tender for preparation of a professional development seminar on international business skills will be issued in late September. Link: www.dest.gov.au/portfolio_department/dest_information/tenders_business_opportunities WINNERS ANNOUNCED - PM’S AWARDS FOR SKILLS EXCELLENCEThe Prime Minister’s Awards for Skills Excellence were announced 17 September. The awards aim to recognise Year 12 students who excel in fields of vocational education and training. Categories include: the highest achieving students in each state of territory and in each industry, as well as the highest achieving indigenous student. To view the winners please click here. |
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