Australian Government - Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) was created on 3 December 2007, bringing together elements of the former Departments of Education, Science and Training, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Youth and Early Childhood functions from the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The department implements government policies and programs to provide education and training opportunities for all Australians, to increase employment participation and to ensure fair and productive workplaces. Education, training and workforce participation are central to our goal of building a productive and socially inclusive nation, one which values diversity and provides opportunities for all Australians to build rewarding social and economic lives.

Current News

Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-2009

The DEEWR Portfolio Budget Statements were released on 13 May 2008.

National Families Week 2008

National Families Week 2008 will be held between 11-17 May.  The theme for the week is “Work and Family – getting the balance right” which reflects the importance of encouraging Australians, particularly working parents, to find ways to more effectively balance work and family life.  All Australians, including community organisations, schools, councils, companies and individuals are invited to participate in National Families Week this year. 

Further information is available at the Families Australia website.

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

In May 2008, as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), national tests will be held in literacy and numeracy for all students in Australia at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. These tests will replace the current State and Territory-based assessments and have the support of all Education Ministers.

Report on Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances, 2008

The Hon Julia Gillard, Minister for Education, has released the inaugural publication of the series - ‘Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances’. It contains statistics relating to the number of applicants for undergraduate study at university, the number of offers received and the number of offers accepted.

Long Day Care Capital Funding Program

Long Day Care Capital funding is targeted to eligible Long Day Care services which require an upgrade or expansion of existing facilities and infrastructure in order to better meet the need for child care in the community.
The program aims to enable existing Long Day Care services to deliver improved early childhood development and learning programs, a higher quality of care and/or increase access to child care by providing additional long day care places.

Discussion Paper on the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy

The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Minister for Employment Participation, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, have released a discussion paper that calls for submissions to the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy.

Discussion Paper on Expansion of the Commonwealth Scholarship program

The Hon Julia Gillard, Minister for Education, has released a discussion paper on the Scholarships for a Competitive Future: Expansion of the Commonwealth Scholarship program.

Government Releases Reform Road Map On Skills

Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Employment Participation Minister Brendan O’Connor today released a road map for the reform of vocational education and training.

Skills and Training Information Centres - Australian Apprenticeships Centres expand their role

As part of its policy paper - Skilling Australia for the Future, the Australian Government announced that it will expand the role of existing Australian Apprenticeships Centres to establish a network of Skills and Training Information Centres (STICs). STICs will provide on skills and training information and advice to employers, employees, job-seekers and other interested parties, and refer employers to Industry Skills Councils. STICs services commenced from 1 April 2008. For more information contact an Australian Apprenticeships Centre near you or visit www.skillsandtraininginfo.com.au.

Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care launched

The Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care was officially launched by Parliamentary Secretary, for early childhood education and childcare, The Honourable Maxine McKew MP. Ms McKew spoke of the importance of providing the best educational support in a person’s early years and how it determines their success in life.