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The Expert Panel was appointed by the Minister for Higher Education and Skills to lead the second stage of the 'Review of vocational education and training (VET) fees and funding arrangements'. Its remit was to provide advice to the Victorian government on stakeholder responses to the Essential Services Commission's report 'VET fee and funding review' and its recommendations - outputs of the first stage of the review undertaken by the Commission. Tabled in Parliament on 11 October 2011, the Commission's report contained 43 recommendations that seek to complement Victoria's market-oriented reforms of the training system; and support more efficient allocation of training resources and public funds through proposals such as a more competitive pricing model. The Panel has sought to undertake a range of consultation activities. This has included public and stakeholder feedback sessions as well as providing an opportunity for interested individuals and organisations to make online submissions. The Panel presents this report in two parts: Part A: summary covering the key messages and themes in the consultations and submissions; Part B: detailed report covering the context for the review and consideration of all the recommendations. Show less

This Brotherhood of St Laurence submission to the Victorian Government’s Essential Services Commission review of the fee and funding arrangements for vocational education and training (VET), argues, among other recommendations, that costs should not be imposed on those who are least able to pay. Equitable access to VET programs that does not exclude disadvantaged people is essential.

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The vocational education and training (VET) sector of Victoria has undergone reforms in recent years driven by a shortage of skilled labour and an increasing recognition of the importance of skills and qualifications in enhancing Australia's future productivity and social outcomes. As part of the reforms, significant changes were made to the fee and funding arrangements for government subsidised training. Within the context of these reforms, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) asked the Essential Services Commission to examine the extent to which the design of the Government's funding mechanisms and fee structures contribute to the objectives of the Victorian training system. The Commission was also asked to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the Government's funding mechanisms and fee structures, including: student eligibility for subsidies such as rationing mechanisms, concessions and income-contingent loan arrangements; relative funding levels for TAFE institutions and registered training organisations; prescribed minimum and maximum tuition fee levels; the weighted training hour approach based on estimated costs of delivery; the balance between government, student and employer contributions; and funding structures for higher-need learners. This report from the inquiry is in two parts. Volume one, 'Blueprint for change', is a high level strategic overview document that includes a full list of the review recommendations (including a suggested transition path), and identifies nine strategic directions for improving the efficiency of the VET fee and funding model in Victoria. Volume two, 'Technical analysis', contains the technical analysis that underpins the Commission's recommendations, and consists of the following seven chapters: (1) Introduction; (2) The VET sector in Victoria; (3) Objectives: views of stakeholders; (4) Eligibility for a government subsidised training place; (5) Tuition fees; (6) Funding VET delivery; and (7) A more competitive pricing model. Show less

The Essential Services Commission was asked to examine the extent to which the design of the Victorian government's funding mechanisms and fee structures contribute to the objectives of the Victorian training system. The Commission was also asked to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the government's funding mechanisms and fee structures, including student eligibility for subsidies. The Commission was required to present options (including timing and phasing) for any changes to the design of funding mechanisms or fee structures. The review covered the provision of government funded [vocational education and training] VET in TAFEs, private registered training organisations and adult and community education providers, but VET in Schools was excluded. The review covered only tuition fees for students in government subsidised training places. The Commission sought feedback from stakeholders on which aspects of the arrangements were working well and which were not and where improvements could be made. The aim of this issues paper was to assist those wishing to participate in the review.

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