Strategic Analysis & Evaluation Group
Executive Summary
The Strategic Analysis and Evaluation Group (SAEG) facilitates and carries out research, analysis and evaluation to support policy and programme areas of the Department.
The Group collects data, undertakes analysis, research and evaluation, contracts research and compiles performance information. As well as focussing on the individual sectors, it undertakes policy development in areas that span all sectors of the education industry.
The Group’s objective is to provide strategically focussed research, analysis and evaluation to underpin sound, practical and timely research-based policy advice.
An important role of SAEG is the communication of data and research findings to stakeholders in the education, science and training sectors.
The Group comprises of an administrative unit and four branches:
The Review Analysis and Economic Branch provides policy advice, analysis and briefings on a range of economic, financial and labour market aspects of education and training. The Branch is the central coordination point for the Strategic Reviews mandated by the Department of Finance and Administration, undertakes policy development and project management related to early childhood education and coordinates Australia’s participation in international education statistics activities.
The Skills Analysis and Quality Systems Branch has responsibility for a broad range of cross-sectoral analysis and policy issues including:
- coordinating Departmental advice on skills formation needs and gaps;
- conducting surveys and contracted research on portfolio areas of responsibility;
- coordinating Departmental advice on skilled migration issues
- progressing research on schooling issues;
- coordinating Departmental advice on quality issues relating to Australia’s education and training qualifications;
- undertaking analysis work to progress COAG’s consideration of skills shortages;
- coordinating Departmental advice on quality issues relating to Australia’s education and training qualifications;
- progressing research and associated work arising from the Science, Engineering and Technology Skills Audit;
- managing and promoting DEST’s information and research management services; and
- managing the DEST Research Programme.
Transitions and Attainment Branch conducts and manages research, and provides policy analysis and advice on a range of education and training, labour market and income support issues, with a particular focus on student participation, performance and outcomes, and their transition from education to work and independence. The Branch also has carriage for DEST’s involvement in whole of Government initiatives such as Welfare Reform and regional policy; is responsible for the reporting and accountability aspects of Commonwealth funding for school education; and manages and co-ordinates Australia’s participation in international cross-country studies of student performance and achievements in school education.
The Income Support for Students Branch is responsible for researching, developing and implementing new policies relating to income support programmes for students. This includes ABSTUDY, Austudy and Youth Allowance. The Branch works in partnership with Centrelink who are responsible for the delivery of the programmes. The Branch includes the following Teams:
- ABSTUDY Policy and Student Projects Section
- Student Allowances and Policy Section
- Budget, Research and Development Section
- Compliance and Assurance Section