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This Agreement represents shared priorities between the Australian and state and territory governments in partnership with business and industry for vocational and technical education in Australia. It reinforces the commitment of these governments to support the implementation of new national training arrangements from 1 July 2005. This Agreement also demonstrates their commitment to work collaboratively in areas of national priority that support the long-term objectives for the training system as set out in Shaping Our Future, Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2004-2010 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/LMR 85.685]. The Agreement is being tabled in accordance with requirements of the Skilling Australia's Workforce Act 2005 [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 83.246]. Included with the Agreement is the Framework for the New National Training System. The Framework has been agreed between governments and was developed following consultation with business and industry as well as other stakeholders and sets out arrangements for the operation of a national approach to training.

'Skilling Australia's Workforce 2005-08' mid-term review is available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 93.121. Show less

TAFE Futures is a national inquiry into the future of the public TAFE system. The Inquiry was commissioned by the Australian Education Union (AEU) in 2006 to determine how TAFE can best operate in the future to ensure it is meeting the skills and education needs of its students, employers and local communities. The key findings of the Inquiry include: TAFE is working well with students and employers, indicating high levels of satisfaction at the service provided; two-thirds of employers want training done through TAFE; the federal government remains largely hostile to TAFE, continuing to favour policy responses to skills shortages that marginalise TAFE and providing funding opportunities that favour private providers; courses and services are being cut due to lack of funds; significant re-thinking is required about some of the national directions for training packages and the application of aspects of competency-based training; fees and charges are a barrier to the participation of many in the community who need general education and training; the TAFE workforce is one of the most casualised in the economy and these high levels of casualisation are counterproductive in maintaining a quality and accessible provider; and the squeeze on resources has eroded TAFE's commitment to access, equity and social justice. The contents are: The TAFE Futures Inquiry: a dialogue about the future with those who make TAFE work; Part A: The TAFE story and the challenges of continuity and change; Part B: What Australians say about TAFE: a summary of national consultations; Part C: What Australians say about TAFE: a summary of submissions; Part D: New futures for TAFE: renewal and change. Included as appendices are: Current research on partnerships in VET and TAFE: opportunities for the future of TAFE; Terms of reference for the TAFE Future Inquiry; Bibliography. Show less