Archived News for Education Sector Professionals
The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has released data that shows more than 220,000 university offers have been made this year, an increase of over four per cent compared to the same time last year.
“This data proves we are well and truly on track to achieving the target of 40 per cent of Australians aged between 25 and 34 to have achieved a bachelor degree by 2020,” Federal Minister for Tertiary Education Senator Chris Evans said.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Gender Indicators data shows 40 per cent of women in the 25-34 age bracket have already achieved a bachelor degree or above.
“To have 40 per cent of women qualified to bachelor degree level or above is a tremendous result – not only for those individuals, but also for the economy as we strive to build the skill sets needed to fill the jobs of the future,” Senator Evans, said.
There are now 35 per cent of 25-34 year olds who have attained this level of qualification, up from 31.9 per cent in 2008.
“This achievement is an important economic reform. Skills Australia has forecast that by 2025 a third of all jobs will require a minimum of a bachelor degree qualification,” he said.
“The jobs of the future are going to require higher levels of skill and knowledge – a university education is a ticket to the high paid, high skilled jobs of tomorrow.
“The higher the skills in our workforce, the better the outlook for our economy and productivity.”
Victoria funds regional VET and employment programs
The Victorian Coalition Government will invest $3.3 million to boost participation rates in vocational and higher education and grow jobs in the state's north-east.
Master Builders centre to open in July
The Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) has announced it will construct a $10 million Master Builders Building Leadership Simulation Centre (BLSC).
Skills centre opens in WA
The Civil Contractors Federation Skills Centre has opened in Western Australia, with Federal Minister for Skills Senator Chris Evans attending the opening ceremony.
JCU appoints Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic
Teaching and learning academic Professor Sally Kift has been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at James Cook University.
SATAC data shows more university opportunities
New data released by the South Australia Tertiary Admissions Centre shows that the number of placement offers made by South Australian universities over the last year has increased by over 5 per cent.
University of Canberra boosts research income
The University of Canberra has announced in a statement that it tripled its research income last year.
Government reiterates importance of mathematic sciences
Federal Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, has addressed the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), where he reiterated the importance of the mathematical sciences to the future prosperity of the country.
Education conference lineup announced
The University of Wollongong has announced the speaker list for its 11th Educational Leadership Conference.
University of Sydney gets TEQSA tick for research
The University of Sydney has been commended by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) for its strong research performance and its successful efforts to build multidisciplinary and international research collaborations.
Tasmania announces VET consultation sessions
The Tasmanian Government has announced a series of consultations on the rview of the role and function of Tasmania’s public vocational education and training providers.
Notre Dame medical school opens
The University of Notre Dame Australia has officially opened its Melbourne Clinical School in Weeibee, Victoria.
WA to trial school iPads
The Western Australian Government has announced a $1 million initiative to deliver iPads for the state’s highest potential students to ‘use touch technology to boost their literacy and numeracy skills’.
NSW resolves travel program dispute
The New South Wales Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli has announced that contract issues between the Department of Education and Communities and transport providers that have been disrupting the Assisted School Travel Program has been resolved.
University of Melbourne conducts research into gifted children
Melbourne University PhD researcher Anne Grant has released preliminary findings of her research into how gifted children behave in their formative educational years.
Energex partners with TAFE to build skills
The Queensland Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining Stirling Hinchliffe has announced a partnership between TAFE and South East Queensland electricity distributor Energex to help combat the skills shortage in Queensland’s growth industries.
Board of WA School Curriculum and Standards Authority announced
The Western Australian Government has announced the membership of the inaugural board of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
Monash enters international partnership with Warwick University
Monash University has signed a new agreement with the University of Warwick in the UK to create an alliance between the two universities that aims to establish both as globally networked universities.
PM proposes HECS loans for VET students
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has outlined plans to provide vocational students with access to HECS-style loans and training subsidies in selected technical and service sector fields.
NSW Director-General of Education joins UNSW
The Director-General of Education and Communities in NSW, Dr Michele Bruniges, has been appointed honorary Adjunct Professor in the School of Education, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Call for comment on the Queensland Education Trust
The Queensland Education Minister, Cameron Dick, has called for public comment on the State Government’s proposed multi-billion dollar Queensland Education Trust (QET) and how it should operate.
Mr Dick said six community forums would be held across the state from Wednesday, 1 February, to provide an opportunity for Queenslanders to talk about the mining royalties-funded QET.
“Ministers, including myself, will visit locations in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to talk to community members about the QET,” Mr Dick said.
“The State Government wants to ensure all Queenslanders have an opportunity to share their views on how we use the boom in our resources sector to transform the opportunities available to children.
“The QET would be established by taking a 50 per cent share of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) royalties.
“This money could then be invested for the future education and training of Queenslanders.
“Over the long term, the QET would control billions of dollars to support education and training initiatives, giving Queensland’s young people a flying start into education and the workforce.”
Mr Dick said two different operational models for the QET were proposed:
• Individual Trust Accounts for Education – an individual endowment that would mean every child born on or after 1 July 2012 would have a nest egg valued between $7800 and $9500 when they turn 18; or
• Dedicated Education Fund – an investment fund where the proceeds are reinvested by government in education and training initiatives beyond the basics throughout the schooling years and potentially beyond.
“We want people’s feedback about the QET and how it should operate,” Mr Dick said.
“For example, if individual endowment accounts are established, what eligibility criteria should apply?
“This is just one example of the questions we are asking Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.
“I look forward to meeting local community members at the forums and hearing what they think.
“We want as many people as possible to benefit from Queensland’s resources boom.”
Details for the six community forums are:
• Wednesday, 1 February – Cairns – Cairns State High School
• Tuesday, 7 February – Townsville – Townsville State High School
• Wednesday, 8 February – Brisbane South – Mount Gravatt State High School
• Wednesday, 8 February – Gold Coast – Varsity College
• Thursday, 9 February – Brisbane North – Rainworth State School
• Thursday, 9 February – Rockhampton – Rockhampton State High School.
More information is at at www.qld.gov.au/educationtrust.
Responses to the QET proposal paper can also be made online via the Get Involved website at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/205/view.html; by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by writing to: Education Trust, PO Box 15185, Brisbane 4002.
Consultation on the QET closes on Friday, 17 February.