Archived News for Education Sector Professionals

The Federal Government and the University of Melbourne have co-launched a suite of new, custom designed learning facilities.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr opened three of the new facilities at the University which are linked to the University’s Graduate Schools of Education, Science and Land and Environment.

“The Australian Government supports infrastructure development through the Education Investment Fund (EIF), enabling Australian academics to deliver lasting returns to the Australian community. They develop their skills and expertise in learning environments designed for the specific needs of professional graduate programs,” Senator Carr said.

Government moves to protect international students from closures

The Federal Government has introduced legislation that will aim to strengthen protection for international students if an education provider closes.

NSW pushes for testing revamp

The New South Wales State Government has called an expanded testing regime to assist school students prepare for tertiary studies and the workforce.

Deakin to invest $5 million in marine and aquaculture research

Deakin University will invest $5 million over the next five years in an initiative set to place its Warrnambool Campus in the international spotlight for marine and aquaculture research and teaching.

Education muddies adult transition: Report

A report published by the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) has found that the transition school to work and adulthood is growing increasingly complex and prolonged as post-Year 12 education becomes the norm.

NCVER releases VET finances information

Financial information for 2010 for Australia’s public vocational education and training (VET) system has been released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

Overall, operating revenues for the public training sector in 2010 increased compared with 2009, up $416.5 million (6.2%) to $7.142 billion.

Comparing revenue for 2010 with 2009 shows:

revenue from the Australian Government increased by 9.9%, or $186.2 million
revenue from the state and territory governments rose by 4.2%, or $135.7 million
revenue from fee-for-service activities increased by 6.6%, or $69.7 million.

Total operating expenditures also increased, from $6.807 billion in 2009 to $7.576 billion in 2010, a rise of 11.3%.

The public VET sector’s net assets (total assets less total liabilities) at the end of 2010 were $10.350 billion, an increase of 2.2% from 31 December 2009.

Copies of Financial information 2010 are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2426.html

Federal Government responds to Knight Review

The Federal Government has announced its response to the Knight Review, confirming a suite of measures designed to streamline student visa applications and increase international competitiveness for the lucrative international student market.

Youth Allowance reform before parliament

The Federal Government has introduced legislation that will remove regional distinctions for Youth Allowance.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park wins international education award

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has been awarded a Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration in the United States.

ANU launches 10 year strategic plan

The Australian National University (ANU) has launched its latest strategic plan that will aim to outline the university's direction over the coming decade. Seven months after his appointment to lead ANU, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young today issued ANU by 2020.

Federal Government announces new skills agency

The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new workforce agency that will target “pressure points” in Australia’s emerging patchwork economy by focussing on training and retraining workers for new jobs in specific industries currently experiencing skills shortages.

$28 million to ease skill shortages

The Federal Government has announced $28 million in funding to address the emerging critical skills shortages in the resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

Public consultation period begins for Indigenous higher education review

The Federal Government has opened the Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal ad Torres Strait Islander People for public consultation.

University of WA appoints new Chair in Biodiversity

Internationally renowned plant conservation biologist Professor Stephen Hopper FLS will be stepping down as director of the world heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, UK, to take up a new Chair in Biodiversity at The University of Western Australia.

International student educator costs drop

The Federal Government has passed the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) (Registration Charges) Act through parliament with an expectation to see an overall reduction of around $8 million in charges for providers of education for international students.