Australian Governments Agree to Reform Vocational Education

Representatives of Australia's federal, state and territory governments issued a Communique yesterday committing to work to reform Vocational Education and Training (VET). This claimed that "VET and higher education are equal and integral parts of Australia’s post-secondary education system". Unfortunately that has not been the policy or practice of Australian governments. The Federal government mismanaged VET funding, allowing rorting by private training providers, while while state governments starved their TAFEs for funding. A new COAG Skills Council will provide a reform roadmap "in early 2020". The same meeting also discussed boosting infrastructure. A major impediment to this is enough skilled labor, trained by the VET sector.

"A vision for skills in Australia

A strong Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is critical for our economy and ensuring Australians are equipped for the workforce now and in the future. Leaders agreed to a shared vision for VET delivering high quality education and training that meets the needs of students and employers. VET and higher education are equal and integral parts of Australia’s post-secondary education system. The Commonwealth and states and territories will work together to deliver a system which helps all Australians – for those getting first qualifications or re-training – get the skills they need for employment. Skills ministers will work together through a new COAG Skills Council, in consultation with education ministers, to advise leaders on future reform priorities by the end of 2019 and provide a reform roadmap to COAG in early 2020."

From: COMMUNIQUÉ, MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS, CAIRNS 9 AUGUST 2019