ANNUAL REPORT 2009 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA Universi

TAFE Directors Australia Inc. ABN: 39 070 265 734

Location National Secretariat Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW Turner Hall (Building B) Ultimo College Cnr Mary Ann and Harris Streets ULTIMO NSW 2007

Postal TAFE Directors Australia National Secretariat PO Box 707 BROADWAY NSW 2007

Contacts Telephone + 61 2 9217 3180 Facsimile + 61 2 9281 7335 Email: [email protected] Website www.tda.edu.au

ISSN 1838-0727 (Print) 1838-0735 (Online) ABOUT US The core business of TDA • position TAFE institutes as TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) is supporting our member the major training brand is the peak national body institutes and leading the delivering skills in Australia. representing Australia’s 59 public advocacy for quality skills in TAFE institutes, university TAFE Australia. divisions, and the Australia- Our Purpose is to: Pacific Technical College (APTC), • advance vocational VISION providing a national voice for the education policy in Australia To drive quality in TAFE vocational public vocational education and education and training, and show • support policy development training (VET) sector. leadership in sector policy and for improved outcomes for Australia’s TAFE institute network value-added member services. students – domestic and is the largest and most diverse international tertiary education sector in Australia with more than 1300 • lead the advocacy on campuses located across funding MISSION CONTENTS Central Business Districts (CBD), • provide member services TDA will support TAFE institutes NATIONAL BOARD 2 suburban, regional and remote for Tuition Assurance in the development, recognition MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 3 locations, with many institutes to facilitate institutes’ and resourcing of those institutes CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 4 offering further services through Vocational Education and as the recognised leaders in OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 5 the Asia-Pacific and other Training (VET) FEE-HELP quality vocational education and offshore regions. registration training. FINANCIAL REPORT 17

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 NATIONAL BOARD

Executive Craig Sherrin, Institute Director and CEO, Deb Daly, Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Gold Southbank Institute of Technology (QLD)* Coast Institute of TAFE (QLD) Don Zoellner, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Community Bruce Mackenzie, Deputy Chair, Chief and Access, Charles Darwin University (NT)** Executive, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE (VIC) 1 2 3 Note Wayne Collyer, Deputy Chair, Managing * Craig Sherrin replaced Steve Ghost, Managing Director, Polytechnic West (WA) (Formerly Director, SkillsTech Australia Swan TAFE) ** Don Zoellner replaced Aaron Devine, Director Members of Vocational Education and Training, Charles 4 5 6 Colin Adrian, CEO, Canberra Institute of Darwin University, TAFE Division Technology (ACT)

Stephen Conway, Managing Director, TAFE SA – Adelaide South (SA)

1 D Daly Pam Christie, Institute Director, TAFE NSW – 2 B Mackenzie 7 8 9 Sydney Institute (NSW)

3 W Collyer Aaron Devine, Director of Vocational Education 4 A Devine and Training, Charles Darwin University, TAFE 5 Dr C Adrian Division (NT) (until May 2009)

6 S Conway Steve Ghost, Managing Director, SkillsTech 7 P Christie 10 11 Australia (until October 2009) 8 S Ghost Kevin Harris, Director, TAFE NSW – Northern 9 K Harris Sydney Institute (NSW) 10 B McLennan Belinda McLennan, CEO, Tasmanian 11 V Simmons Polytechnic (TAS) 12 C Sherrin 12 13 13 D Zoellner Virginia Simmons, Director and CEO, Chisholm Institute of TAFE (VIC)

2 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

TAFE as a national system responded to a for skilled migration, were badly affected. support at the 2008 Annual General Meeting, the year: Aaron Devine (Charles Darwin series of structural crises which emerged Many students’ families were threatened with hosted by Victoria University, TDA continued University TAFE, NT), Steve Ghost (SkillsTech in the Australian education system during extensive financial losses, and for students, its Tuition Assurance services for institutes Australia, QLD), and Dr Colin Adrian (Canberra 2009. While these were domestic in nature, their courses were disrupted or completely with competitively priced Australian-based Institute of Technology, ACT). Without their their origin stemmed from the crisis for many discontinued. insurance, and looks to add a restricted non- untiring support and input to strategy, the international students in Australia, and TAFE TAFE membership category for quality higher development of TDA would not have been Many of our TAFE institutes rallied to accept Directors Australia (TDA) played a significant education registered institutions in future possible. transfer enrolment requests – often without role in the aftermath. years. clarity on fees. TDA made a special appearance Thank you to the Secretariat staff, to Martin The Global Financial Crisis from late 2008 before the Senate Inquiry into the Welfare The Global Financial Crisis adversely influenced Riordan as CEO and Pam Caven as Director caused a series of repercussions into 2009. of International Students, to advocate that TDA in 2009. The impact was limited to Policy and Strategic Engagement. We farewell, At a domestic level, the impact was most not only were de-registrations needed in the revenues flowing to TDA from projects, with gratitude, Rebecca Biazos, the Director severe with Australian businesses cutting aftermath for such RTOs, but that restructuring required to be pushed back to 2010. This International Engagement, and welcome Peter apprenticeship training. This prompted several of the tertiary system was essential. caused an overall loss for the financial year. Holden, formerly a senior executive with DET Federal, State and Territory government However, these contracted projects have been International NSW. We much appreciate your I was delighted that under the leadership of responses, however apprenticeship confirmed for 2010, and a substantial return dedicated work and success in taking forward the incoming Chair of Universities Australia commencement numbers in some states were to surplus is budgeted for 2010 and into the operations through a challenging year. (UA), Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice-Chancellor cut by 25%, and this highlighted the inflexible immediate years ahead. of Queensland University of Technology, TDA structure applying to apprenticeships, unlike in reached agreement to work with UA on the The TDA National Secretariat relocated to parts of Europe and North America. domestic future and regulatory arrangements Sydney in August, and the Board is currently Equally alarming was the impact to of tertiary education. Professor Coaldrake reviewing accommodation requirements and DEB DALY international students studying in Australia. committed to a Keynote Address at the TDA investment opportunities which may support The financial crisis impacted private Registered 2009 Annual Conference in Queensland, and the asset base of TDA as a peak national body. Chair – TAFE Directors Australia Training Organisations (RTOs), with many new work will continue into 2010. I wish to thank our deputy chairs, Bruce suffering complete financial collapse. Throughout this high focus on policy, Mackenzie (Holmesglen, VIC), and Wayne The impact was enormous: thousands of TDA pushed ahead with our mission to Collyer (Polytechnic West, WA). I also pay international students, especially those strategically support TAFE institutes with tribute to my TDA Board colleagues, including inbound students from India and China which improved member services. With members’ those who retired or stepped down during have maintained interest in studying courses

3 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

The policy cover to December. TDA members voted at Recommendations relating to the outsourced pathways and their relationship with skills highlight of TAFE our 2008 Annual General Meeting to further payroll and leave protocols were noted and into development. This followed a special initiative Directors Australia widen allowance for the TDA Tuition Assurance 2010 will be adopted, following referral to the by TDA in 2008 to host a National Forum on (TDA) in 2009 Scheme for selected non-TAFE Higher Education Finance and Audit Committee. Youth Engagement and Skills, in Hobart. The was the initiation Providers. The success of TDA operating tuition commissioned research is expected to be The 2009 TDA National Conference, held in of a vision about assurance has added to member services and completed by Q2 2010, and results published September on the Gold Coast, was hosted by tertiary policy in to traditional core revenues of the Association at that time. our Chair, Deb Daly. The event drew a near the post-Bradley which have contributed to satisfactory record number of delegates who nominated Australian Education International environment. This policy was developed as responses from members and financial reserves the event as one of our most successful. commissioned TDA to conduct special part of a new collaboration between TDA and now established. Sponsorship support contributed to a strong research into the international student Universities Australia (UA). Already the results Despite these measures, TDA recorded a result for the Conference making this annual experience with enrolments in TAFE institutes. have been promising with successful contacts financial loss of $16,001 in 2009. This deficit event, especially its professional development Additional research was also commissioned established in universities and TAFE institutes resulted from non-budgeted issues: timing workshops, a premier executive drawcard across with private colleges. Our research was to create better outcomes for students through of two contract projects signed in 2009 but Australia and the region for TAFE directors and conducted across more than 20 TAFE institutes courses and articulation. accrued for operations to begin in 2010, accrual VET executives. and preliminary results show that international TDA’s advocacy at a high level delivered much- treatment of Export Market Development students enrolled in TAFE recorded some of TAFE and university educators, senior needed funding measures for TAFE institutes Grants (EMDG) reimbursements into 2010, and the highest levels of student satisfaction – a representatives who attended from the Federal after the Global Financial Crisis including delays in regulatory authorities’ reimbursements wonderful testament to TAFE institute teachers and Queensland governments, and councillors continued access to the Educational Investment on tuition assurance stamp duty. This result and support personnel and their college from the Gold Coast Council appreciated the Fund and a special sustainability funding masked the underlying financial strength of environments. welcome message by video link from the round. TDA members were further rewarded: TDA and its reserves. The National Secretariat, Deputy Prime Minister. Representatives from the TDA was proud to be invited to attend the the Federal Budget 2009 provided a dedicated now relocated to Sydney, has wider capability Indian High Commission congratulated TAFE National Green Skills Summit in November $400M capital funding for TAFE institutes from to better service members across domestic institutes on their reputation amid the serious 2009. The summit, held in Melbourne, was the Rudd Government’s Stimulus Package. and international VET policy. The accrual issues turmoil caused to international students by called by the Deputy Prime Minister and was however will add to the budgeted surplus A dividend was received as a result of our private colleges closing courses. designed to map Green Skills pathways and for 2010 and contribute significantly to TDA’s establishing in 2007-08 the TAFE Tuition their link with future green issues related to member reserves. Two policy areas require special mention: Assurance Scheme. This revenue boost came Australian training. from increased membership continuing The appointment of Walter Turnbull as DEEWR commissioned TDA and the Australian through 2009 and earlier successful TDA auditors provided a timely assessment College of Educators (ACE) to conduct research negotiations for a special initiation premium of risk management across operations. on successful models of alternative school

4 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

LEADERSHIP AND POLICY importance to The TDA response was organised around the Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 3: a As the leading voice of Australia’s public the productivity six key characteristics of an effective tertiary shared and coordinated information training providers, this section relates to TDA’s of the Australian education and training system identified base and approach to anticipating future strategic directions and identifies our priority economy, the by Bradley. These characteristics and brief labour market needs, industry needs and community and excerpts from TDA’s submission were: activities in 2009. TDA represents 58 TAFE demographic needs. institutes nationally that deliver 1.6 million to the success of student contact hours, the major delivery of Australia’s third Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 1: the TDA is concerned that the role of industry in matters accredited national training. TAFE institutes largest export equal value given to both VET and higher of identification of skill needs, curriculum, assessment deliver training and education across the industry. The education, reflecting the importance of their and quality assurance is not acknowledged. TDA is of long anticipated different roles in the development of skills the view that there should be a separate agency for spectrum of the Australian Qualifications Emeritus Professor Framework including senior secondary Denise Bradley AC publication and knowledge and their contributions to the provision of advice to the Government and that our economy and society. school certificates, vocational certificates, of the Review it would be inappropriate for the proposed national diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate in December 2008 provided TDA with regulatory body to ‘play a coordinating role’ (Bradley 2009, p. 190). degrees, bachelor degrees and post graduate opportunities to respond (www.tda.edu.au/ TDA supports the idea of a tertiary sector with qualifications. These qualifications are cb_pages/submissions.php). universities and TAFE institutes having “equal value” Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 4: a capacity delivered in a range of contexts – institutional, and yet distinct missions. However, this contention TDA incorporated the views of its members in for the whole system to provide integrated workplace and online. They are delivered may not be so straightforward if the ambiguity its response to the Review, ‘Three Pillars – the between ‘tertiary’ and ‘VET’ is not resolved… responses to workforce needs for industries in partnership with a variety of national Key to the Quality of an Expanded Australian and enterprises, including those in specific and international organisations, including Tertiary Sector’ in March 2009. TDA argued localities and communities... schools, colleges, universities, enterprises and Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 2: the that TAFE Institutes, as public providers of recognition that institutions may have a community organisations. TDA members have VET, are well positioned to make a significant primary mission in one sector, but should still TDA is of the view that TAFE institutes are well placed, a strong interest in the health of the national contribution to the achievement of national be able to offer qualifications in the other especially in rural and regional areas to contribute to qualifications framework. participation targets identified in the Review. sector as under current arrangements. raising participation of disadvantaged students. TDA The Review of Higher Education – The The Review, however, in its examination of the argues that what is required for higher education and training provision in remote and regional areas Bradley Review ‘broad based tertiary education system’ did not The Bradley Review uses the term ‘entitlement’ to is flexibility rather than a ‘one size fits all’ such as a As mentioned in the 2008 Annual Report, adequately consider or describe the special refer to a student’s right of choice of provider as the national regional university. TDA welcomed the Review of Australian role of the TAFE public provider in increasing primary means of allocating government supported Higher Education, led by Emeritus Professor workforce participation or the breadth and higher education places. This proposal would appear Denise Bradley AC. It was seen as a timely complexity of the training sector. to create a more competitive, high quality and acknowledgment of the need for reform in flexible system. tertiary education, a sector that is of vital

5 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

than individual arrangements. This streamlining Quotes from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 5: an would need to be facilitated by financial incentives/ speech at The Big Skills Conference, 2009 efficient regulatory and accountability levers. framework. While the focus of the Bradley Review was TDA supports continuous improvement of the on structural relationships between the ‘A universities conference one day and a arrangements for the accreditation and quality sectors, TDA argued for the removal of the vocational education and training conference assurance of the tertiary sector with the recognition ambiguity in the report about the meaning the next. Two great opportunities with the leaders of two great systems of education, that universities and TAFE institutes do have distinct of the terms ‘tertiary education’ and ‘VET’ and complementary missions…TDA’s major concern equal in value, driven by separate missions but and recommended far more consistent use in this regard would be that quality of VET programs with a common purpose of preparing Australia of these terms in conjunction with ‘higher is not diluted via a federal system – a risk that is for a new age of human capital development… education’. In addition, TDA argued for a critical given the number of VET providers operating Two systems, one shared vision: a stronger and common understanding of the elements in Australia and the great disparity between the size fairer Australia’ required to ensure quality and how this relates and scope of operations of those providers. (Deputy Prime Minister Gillard, 5 March 2009). to contestability and social inclusion.

Bradley Tertiary Characteristic 6: clearer For the Bradley Review to be successful and stronger pathways between the The Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Prime Minister there would need to be a set of outcomes, addressing the Big Skills Conference sectors in both directions. particularly for TAFE institutes as public ‘In a globalised, knowledge economy, skills providers of VET, that are consistent with the are no longer state-specific…The type, The Australian Government’s ‘Education TDA is of the view that greater social mobility is TDA three pillars model of contestability, quality and availability of skills are all now a Revolution’ policy included commitment achieved through education programs having quality and social inclusion. national concern’ multiple entry points and transfer arrangements… towards higher educational attainment levels (Deputy Prime Minister Gillard, 5 March 2009). VET has a set of national qualifications, in contrast Towards a tertiary education sector for Australians – across post-secondary higher to universities with their individual qualifications… – a joint project by TAFE Directors education (HE) and VET qualifications – while TAFE, operating at a lower cost than universities, Australia (TDA) and Universities maintaining education as a major export ‘My message today is: how we can turn VET Australia (UA) may well offer a more realistic range of appropriate earner and attractive educational destination from a system that has served Australia so The Bradley Review’s vision for Australia well in the past – to a pathway that can serve courses for disadvantaged students than internationally. While the concept of a tertiary (Review of Australian Higher Education, us even better in the future. VET is the vital universities...A sensible approach could be to sector has been widely used, there has been www.deewr.gov.au/highereducation/review) ingredient that can spark a whole new tertiary streamline. That is, groups of universities could a lack of clarity about its composition. In establish equivalence across similar industry courses was to invest and restructure to achieve a landscape for Australia’ September 2009, TDA and Universities Australia to facilitate TAFE institutes making credit transfer world class competitive tertiary education (Deputy Prime Minister Gillard, 5 March 2009). (UA) commissioned a project to define a more arrangements with a group of universities rather sector. cohesive national tertiary education system that

6 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

augmented the connections between the VET history, the Association has developed strong TDA responded to invitations from ISCs TDA organised formal and informal briefings and HE sectors. The joint TDA/UA project was links with individual TAFE institute directors to nominate members to represent the with the Chair, House of Representatives informed by expectations of a tertiary focus and staff. Externally, TDA has established good Association on a number of Industry Reference Standing Committee on Education and which the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Prime working relationships with the eleven Industry Groups across a wide range of industry areas Training, and supported the Committee’s Minister, articulated in a speech to The Big Skills Councils (ISCs), key national employer including childcare; education; security care report on student work issues with educational Skills Conference early in 2009: associations, government bodies and a range attendants, oral health and medical imaging. and general media. of other provider/VET professional bodies at This is not about bolting on new policies to an TDA members continued to contribute to a domestic level. Aligned with our strategic QUALITY AND INNOVATION already complex system. It is about fundamentally new developments in Training Packages and plan, and with quality as our priority, we have Green Skills rethinking separate systems and institutions to to the development of Environmental Scans extended this engagement with international Senior representatives of key stakeholder create better connected learning for millions of by ISCs. As well, TDA took up an invitation individual students (5 March 2009). benchmarking to mentor TAFE institutes and organisations, including TDA, were called to become a shareholder in Innovation & the wider VET marketplace. Additionally, TDA together as a Working Group in September Business Skills Australia (IBSA) as part of their A primary aim of the joint project was to was active in 2009 in its involvement in the 2009 to discuss the high level principles new governance model, and in that capacity, develop ‘a robust conceptualisation of policy arena, as evidenced for example, in its needed to progress a National Green Skills attended the IBSA 2009 Annual General tertiary education that reflects factors such participation on key national policy bodies Agreement. The Agreement is part of the Meeting. as institutional history and profile, and and its response to government enquiries Prime Minister’s Clean Sustainable Skills qualifications offered’. In addition, the joint (see matrix of TDA representatives on ISCs and TDA provided ‘a voice’ for its 59 members Package announced at the end of July 2009, project was designed to identify how our two Government bodies in 2009). by inviting their responses to government which commits to 50,000 green jobs and organisations could support the attainment enquiries and consultations. Their input of the participation targets proposed in the Other important initiatives included working was a valuable part of TDA’s responses and Bradley Review and endorsed by the Council in partnership with a range of industry Sarah Jones, Clean Energy Council; Dr Garry McDonald, submissions. These included responses to the Centre for Sustainability, Swinburne University of of Australian Governments (COAG). associations, for example, Group Training Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education; Technology (TAFE Division); Deputy Prime Minister; Australia, the Australian Industry Group, the Linda Brown, Swinburne University of Technology the Australian Qualifications Framework TDA and UA worked collaboratively during Minerals Council of Australia, insurance and (TAFE Division) Council’s (AQFC) ‘Strengthening the AQF: 2009 to consider various positions in order to IT industries, to gain employer perspectives an architecture for Australia’s qualifications’; provide advice to the Deputy Prime Minister in on the extent to which training policy and the National Quality Council (NQC) project, early 2010. practices met their needs, and with the ‘Training Products for the 21st century’; and Australian Education Union (AEU) which Strategic engagement the DEEWR Review of the National Training invited TDA to participate in its ’National Strategic engagement in the national training Awards. TDA’s input to these and other TAFE Day’, to highlight the need for increased system was a key priority in TDA’s 2008-09 submissions is available at www.tda.edu.au. investment in Australia’s public vocational strategic plan. Internally, over its twelve-year education network.

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training opportunities over the next four years. During 2009, the NQC changed its operations • National Consistency – facilitate full assessment resources, identifying gaps The proposed Agreement will result in: from using Standing Committees to support implementation of the Quality Indicators and develop a strategy for addressing the work of the Council to establishing for registered training organisations the gaps; report on alternative forms of • national standards of sustainability practice Action Groups of limited duration and (RTOs) by the end of 2010; identify workplace recognition including viability, and teaching in vocational training with very specific terms of reference. TDA and implement Quality Indicators for key features and infrastructure required to • the re-writing of Training Packages to continued its strong involvement in these new registering bodies; address findings of support a national system for recognition include sustainability principles and arrangements, using a network of endorsed the formative evaluation of the Australian of workplace training; report on good competencies representatives to maximise attendance and Quality Training Framework (AQTF) practice models/strategies for moderation • the up-skilling of VET instructors and participation. This representation is shown in (undertaken by KPMG in 2008); consider of assessment. Figure 1 below. teachers to deliver sustainability skills. reports from registering bodies on • Framework Implementation (Joint NQC Because all meetings take place in Victoria, continuous improvement of the AQTF. TDA was also well represented at the Green and Council of Australian Governments there is a predominance of Victorian Skills Forum in October, hosted by the Deputy • Quality of Assessment – conduct a (COAG) Steering Committee) – carry out representatives on the NQC and its Prime Minister and the Minister for Climate strategic industry audit of the Training and a national consultation to determine committees. This is agreed to be the most Change and Water, the Hon. Penny Wong MP. Assessment Training Package; review what any changes necessary to the definition cost-effective and efficient approach. The work on the Implementation Agreement constitutes and contributes to quality and design of units of competency, is ongoing. The terms of reference to each of the Action assessment and identifies key issues Training Packages, VET qualifications, Groups were as follows: impacting on quality assessment; analyse accredited courses, credit systems and National Quality Council (NQC) the recognition arrangements within and The National Quality Council (NQC) consists of Figure 1: National Quality Council – TDA representation between systems, and develop a policy representatives from several areas of education National Quality Council, Chair: Virginia Simmons, Director and CEO, Chisholm Institute framework to improve the flexibility and and training. The TDA representative is one of TAFE (VIC) responsiveness of the VET system. of the two provider representatives, the National Quality Council Action Groups • International VET – research the nature and other is a nominee of the Australian Council extent of off-shore delivery of VET by RTOs; of Private Education and Training (ACPET). National Consistency Deb Daly, CEO, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (QLD) report on the effectiveness of the AQTF Others members include four industry Quality of Assessment Allan Ballagh, Director, TAFE RMIT University (VIC) representatives, an Australian Council of Trade in managing quality issues associated Framework Implementation Allan Ballagh, Director, TAFE RMIT University (VIC) Unions (ACTU) representative, three National with delivery to international students in Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) members, International VET Virginia Simmons, CEO, Chisholm Institute of TAFE (VIC) Australia; and report on the feasibility of a representative from the Commonwealth Bruce Mackenzie, CEO, Holmesglen Instritute of TAFE (VIC) allowing international providers to register Department of Education Employment and as Australian RTOs and deliver Australian Skills for Sustainability Virginia Simmons, Director and CEO, Chisholm Institute Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and two equity qualifications. of TAFE (VIC) representatives.

8 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Skills for Sustainability – conduct a ‘stocktake’ of units and qualifications incorporating sustainability skills, include the identification of gaps and recommendations for development; identification of standards for voluntary certification of RTOs relating to sustainability or ‘green’ skills; and provide a progress report to the 12 June 2009 meeting of Ministers.

The announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of the establishment of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Deb Daly, Chair TDA Don Zoellner, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Community and (TEQSA) and the National VET Regulator is Access, Charles Darwin University and Adrian McComb, Executive Officer, Council of Private Higher Education likely to affect the NQC. TDA is monitoring The Conference was designed around two developments in this regard. key themes: positioning TAFE to meet the challenges of the global marketplace and one events, even a graffiti wall for on-the-fly TDA Issues Papers tertiary sector – implications for domestic and comments and questions. During 2009, the TDA Board developed policy international markets. Over one hundred and TDA published an Occasional Paper which papers on a range of issues which were used fifty delegates attended, including directors brought together the presentations of to inform TDA submissions, correspondence and senior management from the member the keynote speakers and the panellists. and media comment. (See images of Issues institutes, and representatives from other This Occasional Paper was the fith in a Papers to the right.) government and industry stakeholders. series of Papers published to ensure that Delegates heard keynote presentations from Submissions made and publications released discussion of strategic issues for the TAFE three international experts in vocational are available on TDA’s website, www.tda.edu.au sector reached a wider audience. education and training and from Australian TDA 2009 Conference industry and government experts. INTERNATIONALISATION Throughout 2009, the focus on international ‘Skills for Australia’s emergence from the The Conference, covering both domestic education was dominated by private college Global Financial Crisis’ was the title of TAFE and international perspectives, provided a closures, the safety of international students Directors Australia’s 2009 National Conference, stimulating blend of activities for delegates – and the effectiveness of existing regulations held on the Gold Coast in September 2009. presentations, facilitated sessions, networking

9 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

and their enforcement. This resulted in a submit a proposal for the management and Association of Australia (IEAA) conference in significant number of enquiries and reviews delivery of a VET program for up to 48 college October. Members provided detailed accounts at both a state and national level, including directors from the top 100 vocational colleges of the impact of private college closures on the Baird Review into the ESOS Act and a in China. The proposed four-week program their institutes and also provided input for the Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International was approved by the CEAIE and originally various national and state enquiries, reviews Students. scheduled for delivery in November 2009. and taskforces into international education. After discussion, the commencement of the TDA made several representations and program was re-scheduled for March 2010. TDA delegation to the United submissions to these reviews and enquiries, Kingdom emphasising the quality of our provision and the China Bicentennial Scholarship A seven-member delegation led by Wayne strong emphasis on the welfare and integration (BECAS Chile) program Collyer, Deputy Chair of TDA and Managing Delegates visit Barnfield College of international students into the TAFE and In 2009, TDA and its partner institutes from Director of Polytechnic West (WA), travelled local communities. across Australia developed a comprehensive to the United Kingdom (UK) in November will be published as a TDA Occasional Paper marketing and promotions strategy including 2009 for a two-week mission. The purpose This key role in consultations specifically in 2010 to ensure that their observations, details of 78 confirmed and validated courses of the mission was to review best practice related to the international education sector insights and learning can be shared by a wider to be offered through the Chile Bicentennial and current issues facing UK colleges in included formal responses to the Education audience. Scholarship (BECAS Chile) program. Additional strategic locations and regions. The colleges Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act work was completed on preparing the formal and organisations were selected as examples amendments; the Baird Review of the ESOS agreement and the program’s official launch of institutions delivering entrepreneurial Act; the Review of Migration occupations was re-scheduled for early 2010, with a first apprenticeship training, as secondary in Demand List (MODL); the Government intake of students due in the second half academies and as real skills champions for Two degrees Fahrenheit in the morning; about to travel Industry Stakeholder Consultations; the COAG of 2010. vocational education and training in England from Durham to Edinburgh working group on the National International and Scotland. The delegates also attended Student Strategy. On several occasions, Australian TAFE International the UK’s Association of Colleges 14th Annual consultations about international education Network (ATIN) Conference in Birmingham. issues were held with senior DEEWR personnel. The Australian TAFE International Network (ATIN) is a subcommittee of the TDA Board. TDA recognises that missions such as these China Education Association for The network comprises representatives from International Exchange (CEAIE) allow Australian TAFE institutes to benchmark each State and Territory, nominated by their Following the signing of a Memorandum of against overseas colleges to develop respective TDA Board members. Understanding (MoU) between TDA and the sustainable and long term partnerships and to profile the Australian TAFE system as world China Education Association for International In 2009, ATIN met five times including a special class. A collection of papers from the delegates Exchange (CEAIE) in 2008, TDA was invited to closed session at the International Education

10 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

International education under review insurance premium and TDA administration Rural and regional TDA members Unprecedented numbers of reviews were held costs, with the balance placed in the In August 2009, TDA made a submission and taskforces established at both state and Accumulation Fund, a contingency reserve to a Senate Committee enquiry into Rural national levels in 2009 as a result of concerns for TDA use in the unlikely event of a DEEWR and regional access to secondary and tertiary about international student safety and the activation of the TAS. education opportunities. The submission collapse of a number of private colleges. was based on information provided by TDA In 2009, the Annual General Meeting approved members from across all states and the a special resolution to alter the Association’s MEMBER SERVICES Northern Territory and expressed strong rules to enable the TDA TAS to admit certain The National Secretariat provides a range support for a greater federal government focus select non-TAFE institutes to membership, of services for its members in addition to its on the needs of students in regional, rural and should this be desired. The TDA Board advocacy role. These services include the remote communities. management of a Tuition Assurance Scheme approved consequential amendments to the (TAS) which enables TAFE institutes to offer fee TAS rules and these were submitted to DEEWR TDA’s submission included a number of help for students enrolled in a range of VET for approval. DEEWR stayed consideration recommendations, for example, the need for and higher education courses. pending TDA confirmation of insurance cover additional funding for basic skills and ‘second for an expanded TAS membership. chance’ education in TAFE, further reform of The Secretariat also produces a weekly email the youth allowance provisions, improved newsletter and maintains a comprehensive The major problem in 2009 was the difficulty The TAS provides cover for nominated higher training opportunities with more realistic website which includes an archive of all in securing renewal of insurance cover education courses and VET programs delivered funding levels for young job seekers in rural newsletters, submissions, policy documents for the current scheme, given the turmoil on a fee-for-service basis by the TAS members. and remote communities, and more definitive and press releases (www.tda.edu.au). in the insurance industry resulting from The cover is to provide for a student relocation funding guidelines linking TAFE and university the worldwide financial crisis. Renewal of service and/or repayment of tuition fees paid provision within each regional catchment area. Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) insurance cover for 2010 was finally obtained in advance to students affected by provider A copy of TDA’s submission can be accessed at The TDA Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS), in December 2009, applicable to all current closure or failure of the provider to deliver www.tda.edu.au/cb_pages/submissions.php. established in July 2008, continued to grow TAFE institute members. Cover in the event of courses. For the cover to be provided, the during 2009. Established to provide tuition non-TAFE institutes being admitted to the TDA In September, a group of TDA regional TAS requires activation on instruction by the assurance cover for TAFE institutes wishing to TAS remained under negotiation. members, led by TDA Chair, Deb Daly, provided Department of Education, Employment and obtain access for their students to the Federal further information on TAFE’s roles in regional Workplace Relations (DEEWR). There was no The TAS is administered by a sub-committee of Government’s FEE-HELP student load scheme, and rural education when they appeared activation in 2008 or 2009. The membership the TDA Board. the TDA TAS had 22 members as at before the Senate Committee during a public fees received are used to pay the associated December 2009. hearing at Tweed Heads, NSW.

11 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS TDA and ACE Career Industry Council of Australia determined (CICA) Roundtable – Supporting Newsletter student choice through careers that the COAG TDA continues to engage actively with a wide guidance decision and range of stakeholders through its various In Melbourne, on 10 August 2009, TDA achievement of communications channels. The weekly along with the Career Industry Council of the objectives newsletter is the main vehicle for bringing Australia (CICA) convened a joint roundtable of the Youth VET stakeholders up to date with relevant on supporting student choice through Attainment and timely industry information. In the past careers guidance. Facilitated by Peter and Transitions year, the number of subscribers has grown Noonan, the roundtable was attended by National to a record 900 across the breadth of the VET 21 participants, representing DEEWR, Skills Partnership sector. Australia, the National Centre for Vocational Pam Caven required Director, Policy and Stakeholder Education Research (NCVER), TAFE institutes, Regular media releases, briefings and even greater Engagement school principals, industry, the indigenous interviews with key journalists have ensured understanding community, CICA and TDA. that TDA’s views on relevant industry, public of those models of schooling and training policy and social issues pertaining to VET that succeeded in retaining young people Participants identified strategies to build on are reflected in both industry-specific and career services and gaps. This focus by TAFE in education and training to improve their the success of the day and included: mainstream media. Over the past year, the Directors on careers has been one of three key transition from school directly to work or to • a brief background paper developed by volume and quality of this coverage has outcomes of the 2008 National Forum on the further study and then work. Peter Noonan and commissioned by TDA underlined the role and influence of TDA in Engagement of Youth and Skills (Hobart, April The focus of the TDA/ACE research project was & CICA helping to shape this agenda. 2008), which was a joint initiative of TDA and a range of models in secondary schools Trade the Australian College of Educators (ACE). • linking the outcomes of the roundtable to Training Centres in Schools in collaboration DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE the COAG participation and productivity OF TAFE STAFF, STUDENTS AND with TAFE institutes, and in vocational colleges Enhancing the retention of young agenda GRADUATES people to Year 12, especially though in TAFE institutes. An important consideration Recognising that improving career guidance vocational skills was that these institutions have demonstrated • a wider invitational forum which would will be vital in the era of student demand TDA and the ACE were successful in gaining flexibility in their approach, and success in include other service providers such as driven education places, TDA will continue to support from the Department of Education, retaining young people in education and employment service providers. work collaboratively with a range of players, Employment and Workplace Relations to training with the provision of clear and including representatives from states and conduct a project, Enhancing the retention recognised pathways into employment and territories, TAFE institutes, universities and the of young people to Year 12, especially though further education and training. The project is schools sector to identify good practice in vocational skills. due for completion in 2010.

12 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

NCVER researchers TDA has been an enthusiastic supporter of the NCVER Communities of Practice Scholarship program in 2009. The program is designed to boost the skills of emerging research scholars in vocational education and training providers. TDA is a member of the steering committee for the program and in addition, participates on the selection panel to assess the successful scholarship applicants. TDA promotes the program through its media outlets.

Mick Young Oration TDA continued its support of the Mick Young Scholarship Trust and in November 2009, organised the Mick Young Oration and Parliamentary Dinner in Parliament House, The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Wayne Swan MP delivers Canberra. The Federal Treasurer, the Hon. the 2009 Mick Young Oration, Parliament House, Wayne Swan MP delivered the 2009 Mick Canberra November 2009 Young Oration, with the Oration and Dinner well supported by Members and Senators of Parliament, TDA members, ISCs, industry, the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET), Group Training Australia (GTA) and UA.

The Treasurer congratulates two Mick Young TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute CEO, Pam Christie, Chair Scholarship Trust recipients, Deirdre Thorne (left) from of Skills Australia, Philip Bullock, and Associate Director, Brisbane North Institute of TAFE and Bettye Ford (right) Education & Training, Australian Industry Group, from Kempsey TAFE. Both gave a moving insight into Megan Lilly how the scholarships had transformed their lives. Staff from Meadowbank College (NSI TAFE) Mark Howe, Claire Buckley and Mike Horan with the Treasurer and Martin Riordan

13 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

WA Minister for Training – Address to the Board during visit to Western Australia

Polytechnic West Hospitality Staff Left to Right: Alison Russell, Director Educational Left to Right: Blair Marsh, Divisional Director, Programs, TAFESA and Maria Amesz, Westone Polytechnic West; Belinda MacLennan, Managing Director, Tasmanian Polytechnic and Richard Symonds, COAG Consultant Left to Right: Robert Player, Deputy Director General, DETWA; Michelle Hoad, General Manager, Polytechnic West; the Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Training; Deb Daly, Chair TDA; Wayne Collyer, Managing Director, Polytechnic West; Sue Slavin, Managing Director, West Coast TAFE and Martin Riordan, CEO TDA

Left to Right: Bill Swetman, General Manager, Left to Right: Colin Adrian, CEO, Canberra Institute Left to Right: Jamie Mackaway, Central TAFE; Polytechnic West and John Scott, Managing Director, of Technology; Virginia Simmons, Director and CEO, Kevin Doig, Divisional Director, Polytechnic West and C.Y. O’Connor TAFE Chisholm Institute of TAFE and Sue Slavin, Managing Michelle Hoad, General Manager, Polytechnic West Director, West Coast TAFE

Left to Right: Cherrie Robson, Lecturer Hospitality, Polytechnic West; Wayne Collyer, Managing Director, Polytechnic West; Yan Hai Lee, Lecturer Hospitality, Polytechnic West and the Hon. Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Training

14 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA BOARD & COMMITTEES

National Board of TAFE Directors Belinda McLennan, CEO, Tasmanian TDA National Secretariat Staff Australia Inc. Polytechnic (TAS) Martin Riordan – Chief Executive Officer

Chair Virginia Simmons, Director and CEO, Chisholm Pam Caven – Director, Policy and Stakeholder Deb Daly, Chief Executive Officer, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (VIC) Engagement Institute of TAFE (QLD) Craig Sherrin, Institute Director and CEO, Rebecca Biazos – Director, International (Until Deputy Chairs Southbank Institute of Technology (QLD)* May 2009) Bruce Mackenzie, Chief Executive, Holmesglen Don Zoellner, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Community Peter Holden – Director, International and Institute of TAFE (VIC) and Access, Charles Darwin University (NT)** Business Development (commenced October Wayne Collyer, Managing Director, Polytechnic 2009) West (Formerly Swan TAFE (WA) Note Penny Lawrance – Manager, Member Services * Craig Sherrin replaced Steve Ghost, (until August 2009) Members Managing Director, SkillsTech Australia Colin Adrian, CEO, Canberra Institute of Justine Davies – Member Services (from ** Don Zoellner replaced Aaron Devine, Technology (ACT) September 2009) Director of Vocational Education and Training, Pam Christie, Institute Director, TAFE NSW – Charles Darwin University, TAFE Division Susan Sarkis – National Secretariat Executive Sydney Institute (NSW) Assistant (commenced October 2009) Finance and Audit Committee Stephen Conway, Managing Director, TAFE SA Bruce Mackenzie (Chair) – Deputy Chair, Chief – Adelaide South (SA) Executive, Holmesglen Institute (VIC)

Aaron Devine, Director of Vocational Education Stephen Conway, Managing Director, TAFE SA and Training, Charles Darwin University, TAFE – Adelaide South (SA) Division (NT) (until May 2009) Kevin Harris, Director, TAFE NSW – Northern Steve Ghost, Managing Director, SkillsTech Sydney Institute (NSW) Australia (until October 2009)

Kevin Harris, Director, TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute (NSW)

15 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 INSTITUTE EXECUTIVES REPRESENTING TDA ON POLICY COMMITTEES

Name Position Committee Andrew Adamson Principal, Holmesglen Vocational College DEEWR Consultation on VET in Schools Allan Ballagh Director, RMIT University Framework Implementation Action Group National Quality Council (NQC) Quality of Assessments Action Group Foonghar Chong A/Director of Education, Community Services, National Early Childhood Roundtable TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute Angela Hutson Chief Executive Officer, East Gippsland Institute of TAFE L H Martin Institute Bruce Mackenzie Chief Executive, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE International VET Action Group Kaye O’Hara Deputy Chief Executive Academic, Canberra Institute of Technology House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Training Enquiries Jennifer Oliver Senior Director, Education and Training, Box Hill Institute Australian Qualifications Framework Council (AQFC) Credit Transfer Policy Framework Committe Louise Palmer Swinburne University of Technology (TAFE Division) Innovation & Business Skills Australia (IBSA) National Project Reference Group – Review of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Win Scott Chief Executive, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE NCVER National VET Research and Evaluation Program Selection Panel Craig Sherrin Institute Director, Southbank Institute of Technology Australian TAFE International Network (ATIN) Jackie Wenner Director, CIT Vocational College, Canberra Institute of Technology Centrelink National Student Services Partnership Group Rhys Williams Manager, International Box Hill Institute of TAFE Council on Australia Latin American Relations Julie Zappa Executive Director, Creative Industries, Central TAFE Education Sector Advisory Committee, Innovation Business Skills Association

16 TAFE DIRECTORS AUSTRALIA Universi

Australia–Pacific Technical College QUEENSLAND Chisholm Institute of TAFE WESTERN AUSTRALIA www.aptc.edu.au Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE www.chisholm.vic.edu.au Central Institute of Technology www.msit.tafe.qld.gov.au www.central.wa.edu.au East Gippsland Institute of TAFE ACT Gold Coast Institute of TAFE www.egtafe.vic.edu.au Challenger TAFE Canberra Institute of Technology www.goldcoast.tafe.qld.gov.au www.challengertafe.wa.edu.au Gordon Institute of TAFE www.cit.act.edu.au The Bremer Institute of TAFE www.gordontafe.edu.au Curtin University of Technology www.bremer.tafe.qld.gov.au www.curtin.edu.au Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE NSW Southbank Institute of Technology www.gotafe.vic.edu.au C.Y. O’Connor College of TAFE TAFE NSW – South Western Sydney www.southbank.edu.au www.cyoctafe.wa.edu.au Institute Holmesglen Institute of TAFE www.swsi.tafensw.edu.au Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE www.holmesglen.vic.edu.au Durack Institute of Technology www.sqit.tafe.qld.gov.au www.durack.edu.au TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute Kangan Batman TAFE www.nci.tafensw.edu.au Tropical North Queensland TAFE www.kangan.edu.au Great Southern TAFE www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au www.gstafe.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – Riverina Institute North Melbourne Institute of TAFE www.rit.tafensw.edu.au Brisbane North Institute of TAFE www.nmit.edu.au Kimberley College of TAFE www.bn.tafe.qld.gov.au www.kimberley.tafe.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute RMIT University www.nsi.tafensw.edu.au Sunshine Coast TAFE www.rmit.edu.au Pilbara TAFE www.sunshinecoast.tafe.qld.gov.au www.pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – Hunter Institute South West TAFE www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au SkillsTech Australia www.swtafe.vic.edu.au Polytechnic West www.skillstech.tafe.qld.gov.au www.polytechnic.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute Sunraysia Institute of TAFE www.illawarra.tafensw.edu.au Central Queensland TAFE www.sunitafe.edu.au South West Regional College of TAFE www.cq.tafe.qld.gov.au www.swrc.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute Swinburne University of Technology www.sit.nsw.edu.au (TAFE Division) West Coast Institute of Training SOUTH AUSTRALIA www.tafe.swin.edu.au www.westcoast.wa.edu.au TAFE NSW – New England Institute TAFE SA – Adelaide South www.newengland.tafensw.edu.au Victoria University www.tafe.sa.edu.au TAFE Directors Australia is the peak body www.vu.edu.au/tafe TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute for Australia’s TAFE Institutes. Its focus is TAFE SA – Regional www.wsi.tafensw.edu.au University of Ballarat to: www.tafe.sa.edu.au www.ballarat.edu.au/tafe TAFE NSW – Western Institute • Represent and act as the public TAFE SA – Adelaide North www.wit.tafensw.edu.au William Angliss Institute of TAFE provider voice for TAFE www.tafe.sa.edu.au www.angliss.vic.edu.au • Provide leadership in the development of the National Training NORTHERN TERRITORY Wodonga TAFE VICTORIA Framework Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary www.wodonga.tafe.edu.au Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE Education • Develop effective industry and www.britafe.vic.edu.au www.batchelor.edu.au community partnerships TASMANIA Box Hill Institute • Promote public recognition of the Charles Darwin University Tasmanian Polytechnic www.bhtafe.edu.au strategic role of TAFE in Australia (TAFE Division) www.polytechnic.tas.edu.au www.cdu.edu.au Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE For further details visit www.tda.edu.au www.gippstafe.vic.edu.au Centre for Adult Education www.cae.edu.au