Archived News for Education Sector Professionals
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has demanded amendments to existing superannuation agreements to ensure that employers pay shortfalls in superannuation to avoid extensive cuts to the 80,000 employees in the higher education sector.
The NTEU has threatened industrial action over the insecurity of Unisuper’s defined benefits scheme. Many of those who joined the scheme believed any shortfalls to superannuation contributions would be met by employers, but now seems that employees will have to meet the demands or face cuts to their retirement funds.
The union has made the following demands
- Requesting the UniSuper Board to convene a national meeting of all stakeholders with a view to agreeing on changes to the UniSuper Trust Deed to ensure that any changes to UniSuper Defined Benefit scheme arrangements do not involve reductions to employee benefits, and allow for the Board to consider other options.
- Proposing to remove university employers as the sole shareholders of UniSuper’s Trustee company – which currently gives employers the right to ratify (and therefore veto) the appointment of UniSuper Board Directors – as part of a wider review of UniSuper governance and consultation processes.
- Using the upcoming 2012 Collective Bargaining round negotiations to pursue these matters if a proper stakeholder consensus cannot be developed.
ABS releases international student findings
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released findings that show one in five tertiary education students were international students as of 2009.
Government announces $67 million education agreement
The Federal Government has announced a $67 million investment by the Federal Government for 11 partnerships between universities, schools, state governments and TAFEs, designed to assist disadvantaged Australians access higher education.
Evans appointed Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Science, research and tertiary education have been grouped together in a new federal portfolio to be headed by Senator Chris Evans, following the ministerial reshuffle announced this week by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Senator Kim Carr, who was Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, has been demoted from Cabinet to the outer ministry as Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Defence Materiel.
Graduate employment statistics released
The latest Australian Graduate Survey has revealed 77 per cent of Bachelor graduates find employment within four months of completing their degree, with a further 15 per cent of graduates finding part-time or casual employment.
Government opens $350 million for early education grants
The Federal Government has called on quality organisations to apply for around $350 million in grant funding to assist in delivering professional development and inclusion support for early childhood education and care services.
Swinburne launches Advanced Technologies Centre
Swinburne University of Technology has launched its $140 million advanced manufacturing teaching and research facility in Melbourne.
Hattie calls for more focus on student growth
Professor John Hattie has urged a change in focus from standards to student growth in a lecture at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
Senate establishes skill shortage inquiry
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a Senate inquiry into the growing demand for infrastructure delivery and shortage of appropriate engineering and trade related skills in the country.
MCD University of Divinity officially launches
The Victorian Government has announced the formal establishment of the state’s newest university, MCD University of Divinity.
Tasmania announces VET review
The Tasmanian Government has announced the role and function of Tasmania’s public vocational education and training (VET) providers will be reviewed.
Government releases Base Funding Review
The Federal Government has released the final report of the Base Funding Review, offering a series of recommendations for public investment in higher education and other key proposals to ensure the sector remains internationally competitive.
Government outlines $377 million for universities
The Federal Government has announced $377 million in funding for the country’s higher education sector, with regional universities to receive $268 million of the funding.
Indigenous education panel announced
The Federal Government has announced the membership of a panel tasked with reducing the education gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Margaret Sheil appointed as University of Melbourne Provost
Professor Margaret Sheil, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council, will be the next Provost of the University of Melbourne.
Applications open for NBN education program
The Federal Government has called for proposals for the NBN-Enabled Education and Skills Services program, with organisations encouraged to develop ideas or trial projects that can be delivered across the Australian education sector.
Legislation seeks to replace WACOT
The Western Australian Government has introduced legislation before State Parliament which, if passed, will replace the current teacher registration body known as WACOT with a new Teacher Registration Board.
Government outlines reward payments
The Federal Government has announced the staged implementation of a reward system scheme linked to first National Professional Standards for Teachers.
Victoria announces education reform
The Victorian Government has announced its planned education reform agenda after State Education Minister Martin Dixon delivered a lecture at the University of Melbourne, entitled Victoria as a Learning Community.
Chair announced for Victorian Institute of Teaching
The Victorian Government has appointed Don Paproth as the new chair of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
ABS releases education figures
Around three million Australians aged 15-64 (20%) were enrolled in a course of study in 2011, according to a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).