Register a site for an Early Learning and Care Centre
The Australian Government has committed to establishing up to 260 additional Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia by June 2014. Where possible, the additional centres will be located on school, TAFE, university or other community land. More information and a registration form can be found on the Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care website.
Notification of discussion papers and consulation sessions
The Australian Government has released a discussion paper and is conducting a series of public consultation sessions on the future of employment services in Australia.
Notification of release of discussion paper
The Expert Panel of the Review of Australian Higher Education has released a discussion paper which invites submissions by 31 July 2008.
Register a site for an Early Learning and Care Centre
The Australian Government has committed to establishing up to 260 additional Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia by June 2014. Where possible, the additional centres will be located on school, TAFE, university or other community land. More information and a registration form can be found on the Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care website.
Portfolio Budget Statements 2008-2009
The DEEWR Portfolio Budget Statements were released on 13 May 2008.
Public Education Day - 29 May 2008
On Public Education Day, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard took the opportunity to congratulate those involved in delivering public education for their dedication and excellence.
'Public Education Day is a celebration of the important role that public schools play in our national life. Millions of Australians are involved in our public education system as teachers, students, parents, administrators and as community members. Their effort helps to create opportunity and inspiration for our younger generation. They are central to our vision of a prosperous, inclusive, high achieving Australia.'
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.
Review of Australian Higher Education
The Minister has announced a major review of the Australian Higher Education system.
Read more about the Review of Australian Higher Education.
Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
All Australian secondary school principals have been invited by Minister Julia Gillard to apply for funding under the new $2.5 billion Trade Training Centres in Schools Program.
Consultation on the Impact of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU)
The Hon Kate Ellis MP, Minister for Youth, invited students, universities and other interested members of the community to help inform the Australian Government about the impact of the current Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) policy.
Call for public consultation on National Employment Standards
The Australian Government has released an exposure draft of its proposed ten National Employment Standards (NES), together with a discussion paper calling for public feedback.
Transition to Forward with Fairness Bill introduced into Parliment
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, introduced the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008 into the Australian Parliament on 13 February 2008.
OECD Improving School Leadership Activity: Australian Country Background Report
Prepared in 2006, The Australian Country Background Report for the OECD's Improving School Leadership Activity Report provides information on school leadership in Australia, including school governance, the links between leadership and learning outcomes, the attractiveness of the leadership role, and training and professional development for school leaders.
Productivity Places Program – invitation for Registered Training Organisations
Over the next four years, the Australian Government will be providing training opportunities for Australians. Registered Training Organisations are being invited to be part of this exciting initiative to build a stronger and more productive Australia.The training starts in April, with 20,000 training places being funded for job seekers. Training for job seekers during this stage will be at the Certificate II and III levels of attainment.
RTOs should familiarise themselves with the list of eligible qualifications, Request to Participate, Draft Contract and Draft Guidelines as these become available.
DEEWR will accept submissions via its online system from 7 March 2008 through to 30 June 2011.
Latest (February 2008) DEEWR Leading Indicator of Employment
DEEWR’s Monthly Leading Indicator of Employment (Indicator) has now been rising for four months. This Monthly Indicator anticipates movements in the growth cycle of employment. It does this through the use of a composite index of four weighted series (ANZ Newspaper Job Advertisements, Dun and Bradstreet Employment Expectations, the Westpac‑Melbourne Institute Leading Index of Economic Activity and the Consumer Sentiment Index) that have been shown to lead employment growth over the last 30 years. The results for February 2008 are available from the DEEWR Leading Indicators of Employment page.
Minister releases terms of reference for Comcare Review
Following her announcement of a review of the Comcare scheme, the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, yesterday released the terms of reference for the review. The terms of reference and further information about the review can be found at Comcare Review.