Bridging the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have nots': report of the National Education and Employment Forum (NEEF)

The National Education and Employment Forum (NEEF), a project of the World Education Fellowship (WEF) Australia, consisted of five forums in five states in 2000 and 2001 (Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Sydney and Western Australia), followed by a National Forum in 2001. Participant were a diverse group of Australian business people, public administrators, educators, students, welfare executives and workers, Indigenous Australians, people from many ethnic backgrounds and politicians from the major parties. The project examined the progress being made in Australia to provide the...  [+] Show more

The National Education and Employment Forum (NEEF), a project of the World Education Fellowship (WEF) Australia, consisted of five forums in five states in 2000 and 2001 (Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Sydney and Western Australia), followed by a National Forum in 2001. Participant were a diverse group of Australian business people, public administrators, educators, students, welfare executives and workers, Indigenous Australians, people from many ethnic backgrounds and politicians from the major parties. The project examined the progress being made in Australia to provide the necessary supports, infrastructure, networks, technological support and flexibly delivered curriculum at all levels of education and training to ensure that all Australians have what they need to access an appropriate education. The report reinforces the many initiatives already in place at Federal and State levels while stating that more needs to be done as a matter of urgency. The report focuses on the actions that need to be taken to assist those most disadvantaged in the community but asserts that education alone is not enough. What is also required is the need to integrate these educational actions with a set of actions based on employment policy and welfare, family and community development policy. The report contains a brief summary of the main recommendations of the project. The extent and patterns of disadvantage in Australia are examined followed by a discussion of the need for consensus and political will in terms of funding. Expanded educational pathways are detailed and the need for early intervention and parental support is emphasised. The usefulness of the new technology is looked at. The revaluing of the teaching profession and support for teachers in meeting new demands is suggested. Finally, initiatives for Indigenous education are described.