Pod - Policy and governance

Dr Don Zoellner

University Fellow
Northern Institute
Charles Darwin University

Dr Don Zoellner has worked in the school, vocational and higher education sectors in the Northern Territory since 1973. He served as the Executive Director of Centralian College in Alice Springs and Pro Vice-Chancellor VET and Community Engagement at Charles Darwin University. He was a director of the Enterprise and Career Education Foundation, Chairperson of the Australian Principals' Associations Professional Development Council and a panel member of the Shergold Review of Senior Secondary Pathways in 2019-20. Dr Zoellner has served on numerous advisory committees, reviews and evaluations of education and training at both NT and national levels. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and former board chair of Group Training NT. He currently serves as the independent chair of the Industry Skills Advisory Council Northern Territory board and is the NT representative on the Australian Industry and Skills Committee until the end of 2022. Dr Zoellner completed his Doctor of Philosophy in 2013 by describing the development and implementation of VET public policy in Australia and continues to research, present and publish in the area. He has also published a book that describes the history of Northern Territory VET which can be downloaded for free from ANU Press.

To view Don's work and further information please see his institutional profile.

How will new Jobs and Skills Councils build the right workforce for Australia?
(Source: Ai Group, June 2023)

Vocational education and training in Sweden
(Source: Cedefop, March 2023)

Transforming education and training in Australia: challenges and opportunities
(Source: Adult Learning Australia, February 2023)

Eroding the social role of vocational education in Australia
(Source: OISE CIHE, February 2023)