Archived News for Education Sector Professionals - June, 2011
The Queensland Government has announced that year 7 will be incorporated to the state’s high school education system as of 2015.
Premier Anna Bligh and Education Minister Cameron Dick made the announcement while outlining a range of initiatives and reforms which the Government hopes will strengthen the state’s education system.
“This move is a direct result of the government’s decision to introduce full-time Prep in 2007, which added an extra year of schooling to Queensland’s education system,” Ms Bligh said.
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.