Archived News for Education Sector Professionals - November, 2011
Allegations of nepotism have forced the University of Queensland’s vice-chancellor Paul Greenfield to step down.
Professor Greenfield has admitted that he assisted the enrolment of a close relative, despite the student not meeting the requirements of the course.
The university’s chancellor convened an independent external investigation by a Senior Counsel, who accepted the resignations of Professor Greenfield and his deputy Michael Keniger.
Victoria releases languages education plan
The Victorian Government has announced a language education plan that see all prep students learning a language by 2015. New languages scholarships will be available to government school teachers and teacher trainees as part of the government's plan to improve the quality of language teaching.
SA opens $16 million training tender
The South Australian Government has opened a $16 million tender fund for SA registered training organisations, industry and employers to train job seekers throughout the state.
New UQ centre to focus on CSG
The University of Queensland has announced plans to establish a new centre of excellence within the Sustainable Minerals Institute for research and education into coal seam gas.
Government to cap below bachelor level placements in universities
The Minister for Tertiary Education, Chris Evans, announced this week that courses offered by public universities leading to qualifications below bachelor degree level will be subject to annual allocations agreed between the Government and each university. He said the decision will ensure that the higher education sector does not expand at the expense of TAFEs and other vocational education and training providers in the new demand-driven funding system which comes into effect next year.
Consultation paper on Commonwealth-supported postgraduate student places released
The Federal Government has released a consultation paper on the future arrangements for the allocation of funding to non-research Commonwealth support postgraduate places.
Training spending falls
Global economic uncertainty is resulting in decreasing spending on training, particularly in companies that employ over 100 people, according to research published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
Victoria opens $20 million school for gifted students
The Victorian Government has opened the first school for gifted students in Melbourne’s west.
Government to introduce HECS payment for TAFE
The Federal Government will move to introduce HECS-style university loans for TAFE students, according to the Sunday Times.
WA Government releases Skilling WA report
The Western Australian Government has released a progress report on the first six months of the State Government’s Skilling WA Workforce development plan, finding ‘good progress’ is being made on meeting the state’s current and future skills demand.
Research shows pre-vocational training crucial
Research conducted by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) indicates that pre-vocational training exponentially increases the likelihood of an students completing apprenticeships.