The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of two experts to conduct a series of public consultation forums as part of a response to the the Essential Services Commission’s inquiry into vocational education training (VET) fee and funding model.

 

Professor Gerald Burke and Dr Peter Veenker will be tasked with holding public feedback sessions on the Commission’s recommendations as well as subsequently advising State Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall.

 

"Professor Burke is an adjunct professor at Monash University's Faculty of Education and a member of Skills Australia, providing advice to the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations on workforce development and skill needs. He was formerly Chair of the Victorian Qualifications Authority and a member of the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority," Mr Hall said.

 

"Dr Veenker's professional experience spans the private and public sectors in the fields of finance, management and education, including extensive experience in vocational education and training. He was formerly chief executive of the Canberra Institute of Technology, and chief executive and director of the East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, Swinburne University of Technology and Geelong's Gordon Institute."

 

The discussion forums come after the Essential Services Commission made 43 recommendations in its Vet Fee and Funding Review, including:

 

  • providing greater information so that students, employers, providers and governments are better equipped to make decisions;
  • reforms to allow vocational education and training markets to operate more effectively;
  • establishing an independent body to provide an impartial assessment of vocational education and training market conditions;
  • expanding VET FEE HELP to a broader range of qualifications;
  •  expanding eligibility for a government-funded course to people with outdated qualifications; and
  • reducing the administrative burden on providers.

 

 

Colac  Monday 24 October, 1.00pm – 3.00pm Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre

 

Melbourne   Tuesday 25 October, 9.30am – 11.30am Old Treasury Building

 

Traralgon   Tuesday 25 October, 3.00pm – 5.00pm Premier Function Centre

 

Dandenong   Wednesday 2 November, 10.00am – 12.00pm Comfort Inn

 

Shepparton   Thursday 3 November, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Parklake Hotel 

 

Bendigo  Friday 4 November, 10.00am – 12.00pm The Capital – Bendigo Bank Theatre 

 

 

To access the reports and to register for forums please visit www.education.vic.gov.au