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Expert panel to hold public forums on review of VET fees and funding

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall has appointed two experts to conduct public consultations on the Essential Services Commission's inquiry into the VET fee and funding model following tabling of the report in Parliament by Minister for Finance Robert Clark.

Professor Gerald Burke and Dr Peter Veenker will hold public feedback sessions on the Commission's recommendations and provide advice to Minister Hall in November.

"Professor Burke is an adjunct professor at Monash University's Faculty of Education and a member of Skills Australia, providing advice to the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations on workforce development and skill needs. He was formerly Chair of the Victorian Qualifications Authority and a member of the Victorian Learning and Employment Skills Commission and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority," Mr Hall said.

"Dr Veenker's professional experience spans the private and public sectors in the fields of finance, management and education, including extensive experience in vocational education and training. He was formerly chief executive of the Canberra Institute of Technology, and chief executive and director of the East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, Swinburne University of Technology and Geelong's Gordon Institute."

Mr Hall said the Essential Services Commission had made 43 recommendations in its VET Fee and Funding Review, providing considerable food for thought on how the vocational education and training sector could better meet its objectives.

"The proposals are expected to promote debate and discussion among training providers and members of the public," Mr Hall said.

"The appointment of the expert panel and the planned public feedback sessions are the next step in gaining insights into the future directions for vocational education and training."

Proposed reforms contained in the Essential Services Commission's report include:

• providing greater information so that students, employers, providers and governments are better equipped to make decisions;
• reforms to allow vocational education and training markets to operate more effectively;
• establishing an independent body to provide an impartial assessment of vocational education and training market conditions;
• expanding VET FEE HELP to a broader range of qualifications;
• expanding eligibility for a government-funded course to people with outdated qualifications; and
• reducing the administrative burden on providers.

"I look forward to hearing people's views on these recommendations," Mr Hall said.

During the 2010 election campaign the Victorian Coalition committed to a review of VET fee and funding arrangements. The Essential Services Commission was asked to undertake an inquiry into the efficiency and effectiveness of current arrangements in supporting the government's policy objectives for the training market.

To access the reports and to register for forums please visit www.education.vic.gov.au

Attached: public feedback sessions will be held at the following locations and times

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