Archived News for Education Sector Professionals
The South Australian 2011-12 operating budget for education will increase from $2.53 billion last financial year to $2.66 billion in this year’s State Budget, with $9.5 million over four years to support the establishment of an independent authority to implement new national early childhood education quality standards, which take effect next year.
The Budget will expand the Government’s Children’s Centres program which provides preschool and other health and parenting services at primary schools, with an allocation of $14.4 million to relocate stand-alone preschools to new facilities at primary schools.
Support for schools will also be boosted with $16.6 million over five years for schools to assist with increasing electricity costs.
$50M for Queensland State School Investment Program
Queensland's State School Investment Program has received a $50 million boost in the Queensland State Budget, bringing the total allocation to $134.8 million in 2011-12.
$104.5 million for jobs training in Queensland
The Queensland Government will aim to help more than 24,000 Queensland job-seekers into work with a $104.5 million investment in the 2011-2012 State Budget for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Employment, Skills and Mining Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the funding would provide jobs and training to people facing significant barriers to finding work.
“There’s no doubt that heavy investment in the mining and resource sectors is putting pressure on our workforce,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is aimed at helping people who can work, but who face significant barriers when it comes to entering the workforce.
“It’s a $104.5 million investment to get all hands on deck. We’ve helped more than 24,000 people this financial year and I’m pleased to say that help is going to continue.
“Participants get jobs and training in fields like construction, horticulture, retail, hospitality, administration, community services and aged care so they can join the workforce and increase the pool of skilled workers available to industry.
“Many of these projects are also aimed at flood and cyclone recovery so the community is not only receiving a boost in terms of jobs and skills, it’s also benefiting from vital recovery work.”
New Vice Chancellor for Murdoch University
British political economist Professor Richard Higgott has been appointed by Murdoch University as its sixth Vice Chancellor and President.
Indigenous education plan released
Indigenous education plan released
Queensland's year 7 to become high school
The Queensland Government has announced that year 7 will be incorporated to the state’s high school education system as of 2015.
Trade Training Centre opened at Bendigo
The Victorian Government has opened a $10 million Trade Training Centre in Bendigo, aimed at providing trade training to over 4000 students .
Federal Government announces $97 million for smarter schools
The Federal Government has announced a $97.7 million package for the education sector under the fifth round of funding under the National Partnerships scheme.
New RMIT manufacturing precinct opened
The Victorian Government has announced the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct at RMIT University with an aim to assist Victorian companies develop sustainable products.
Universal access strategy for Indigenous children released
The Federal Minister for Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, has released the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Universal Access Strategy, which addresses issues in early childhood education in the Indigenous community.
Senator wary of chaplaincy provider
Senator Gavin Marshall, the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, has told a Senate estimates hearing that he is concerned about the Scripture Union’s participation in the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) after he attacked the group’s stance on homosexuality.
Monash awarded ARC funding
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced nearly $7 million in funding for Monash University after it was announced that 24 ARC Linkage grants were awarded in Round 2 of the scheme.
New chief for UNSW commercialisation arm
NewSouth Innovations Pty Ltd (NSi), the commercialisation arm of the University of NSW, has appointed a new chief executive, Dr Kevin Cullen.
Bill to reform university funding before Parliament
Legislation is currently before the Federal Parliament that will enact a key recommendation of the Bradley Review, enabling student demand-driven funding of universities.
ACS praises government digital strategy but calls for education focus
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has praised the Federal Government’s Digital Economy Strategy, saying it is a strong ‘national blueprint’ that will 'maximize the National Broadband Network (NBN) investment and meet the economic, social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.’
Government awards distance learning services contract
The Federal Government has awarded AMEP Flexible Learning Network (AMEP FLN) the first contract to deliver distance/e-learning English language services for the Adult Migrant Learning Program (AMLP).
Education export earnings remain strong
Data published by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations shows that the export income from international education activity contributed $18.3 billion to the Australian economy in 2010.
VET numbers increase
The Federal Government has reported an increase in Vocational Education and Training (VET) student numbers, with 1.8 million students nationwide now enrolled in the system.
Government reports more regional students
Latest analysis by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations reveals that in just 12 months, the number of inner regional students receiving a Youth Allowance payment has risen by 4 250, an increase of 20 per cent.
Universities financially healthy but more dependent on overseas students
Victorian and New South Wales Auditors-General have reported on the financial health of the higher education sectors of their respective states, finding that universities are in good financial shape after hearings in the states’ parliaments.
New research gateway launched
An innovative new tool designed to improve university/business research interaction has been launched by Group of Eight Australia.