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Media Release
MINISTERIAL COUNCIL FOR VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COMMUNIQUÉ
18 November 2005
The newly established Ministerial Council for Vocational and Technical Education, comprising Australian, State and Territory Training Ministers, held its first meeting in Perth today, committing to take forward arrangements for the new national training system.
This Communiqué sets out all Ministers’ commitment to continue to work collaboratively and cooperatively to maximise the benefits from the national training system.
Highlights of the New National Training System
The new national training system takes as its basis and builds on the foundations of industry leadership and a national approach. These principles are well accepted by all stakeholders as the key elements required to maintain an effective and efficient training system that will meet the future workforce needs of Australian industry.
Ministers acknowledged that industry engagement and leadership is crucial for an effective and responsive training system. Business and industry engagement will continue to be the central feature of new arrangements in setting future directions for training, including training policies, priorities and delivery.
The Australian Government Ministers thanked State and Territory Ministers for their commitment to national priorities, reflected in their acceptance of the Australian Government’s funding offer and endorsement of the framework for the national training system.
The Commonwealth-State Agreement for Skilling Australia’s Workforce will ensure the continued commitment and cooperation of governments at all levels to support agreed national priorities.
The introduction of bilateral agreements was welcomed by all, as recognising the unique circumstances and priorities in each jurisdiction in their training planning and delivery.
Ministers are committed to a range of key training initiatives and reforms that will ensure the training system better understands, responds to, and is accountable against current and future industry skills needs. Ministers committed that these reforms will provide better training outcomes for individuals and the community.
Today Ministers agreed to arrangements on the final level of detail on the new national training system, including the establishment of the National Industry Skills Committee which will ensure the provision of effective industry advice direct to Ministers and that there is a rapid and industry relevant response to critical and emerging training issues. Ministers also agreed to progress the work of the Client and Student Voice Action Group to ensure that the national training system is responsive, especially in providing improved access to training for Indigenous Australians and people with a disability.
Recent Achievements
Ministers further noted the achievements made in recent years under previous national training arrangements which have contributed to laying the foundations of an industry-led, high quality, national training system for which Australia is internationally acknowledged. However, Ministers also noted that emerging developments in terms of globalisation, changing demographics, changing employment patterns and new technology are posing new challenges for Australia.
It was acknowledged that close consultation and collaboration of governments and stakeholders have enabled the new national training arrangements to progress, without disruption to the delivery of training during the recent transition period. The national training system now stands ready to respond to industry, businesses and community needs in tackling emerging challenges to ensure Australia’s continued economic and social prosperity.
Ministers welcomed the continued opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and success of the people working across the national training system and acknowledged the high standard of the finalists at the Australian Training Awards. All Ministers took the opportunity to congratulate the Award winners.
Future Challenges
Ministers recognised that the key work ahead will be implementing the training reforms necessary to ensure that Australia’s training system meets industry skills demands and effectively targets industry skills needs.
There was recognition by Ministers of the need to work in partnership with business and industry, particularly in relation to addressing skills gaps and future workforce requirements.
Ministers acknowledged the vital role the Ministerial Council will play in ensuring that the national training system meets the needs of Australian employers, students and the community.
Conclusion
The spirit of cooperation allows for a national training system in which industry plays the central role: a system where employers and individuals can be confident of the quality of their training and qualification, wherever it is delivered in Australia.
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