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News Volume 11, Issue 21
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Upcoming Events
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28 & 29 Jun - Mid-Year Conference
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17 July - OHS Network Meeting
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14 Aug - QA Standards Network Meeting
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AEN Mid-year Conference 28 & 29 June - Registrations Closed
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This year's AEN Mid-year Conference will be held on the 28 & 29 June at the Dingley International.
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Conference Program
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Day 1
Neil Coulson - Victorian Skills Commisioner
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NCVER Report - Future Job Openings for New Entrants by Industry and Occupations
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Dr Chandra Shah & Janine Dixon
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Major Projects - Duy Le/Rajiv Ramanathan
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Social Traders - Mark Daniels
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Aust Gov't - DET - Fiona Lynch Magor
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Branch Manager, Workforce & Apprenticeship Policy Branch
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General Vet Sector Updates & Assessing in the Workplace - Jame Nash
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Victorian GTO Standards- Denver Blake
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Conference Dinner Guest Speaker - Melinda Jeffery - Apprenticeship Ambassador
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Day 2
AEN Update - Gary Workman
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Apprenticeship Information Services
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Peter Skujins - Managing Director
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When
Where
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Dingley International Hotel
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334 Boundary Rd, Dingley Village VIC 3172
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Accomodation
All delegates must organise their own accomodation. To book accomodation contact the Dingley International Hotel Dingley Hotel. If the Dingley International is booked out you can try the following hotels in the area:
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Australian Apprenticeship Support Network
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Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, has called on Australians to have their say on the future of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network.
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Minister Andrews yesterday released a discussion paper on the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, following a recent evaluation of the AASN model of delivery.
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“The release today of the discussion paper is the start of a process to build on the successes of the AASN model to date,” Minister Andrews said.
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“For three years now, AASN providers have been supporting Australian Apprentices and employers to succeed in their apprenticeship arrangements. We’re looking to collect innovative ideas that will further enhance those services.
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“Ithaca Group’s evaluation of the AASN model of delivery was completed in February 2018. It found the current model is comprehensive and widely supported by stakeholders, but also identified areas for improvement.”
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The Department of Education and Training will tender later this year for the delivery of Australian Apprenticeships Support Services to commence from mid‑2019. The process will be informed by the Ithaca Group evaluation and consultations with interested parties.
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Minister Andrews said the Turnbull Government is committed to building a high quality Australian Apprenticeships system to better support apprentices and respond to the needs of employers and the economy.
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“The announcement of the Government’s $1.5 billion Skilling Australians Fund aims to deliver up to 300,000 more apprenticeships and traineeships, pre- and higher-level apprenticeships and traineeships Australia-wide over the next five years.
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“This means that getting the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network model right is more important than ever,” Minister Andrews said.
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“The discussion paper and consultations sessions are integral in bringing innovative ideas together and ensuring the system delivers for everyone who uses it.”
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Consultation sessions will be held in the coming weeks with stakeholders via webcast and in‑person for all states and territories to further explore issues raised in the discussion paper.
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Interested parties are invited to respond to the discussion paper by 31 July 2018. Further information on contributing in writing or by attending a consultation session is available on the Australian Apprenticeships website.
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Victorian Labour Hire Bill Passes
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The Victorian Government’s labour hire licensing scheme, which protects some of Victoria’s most vulnerable workers and cracks down on shonky operators, is now law.
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The Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 passed the Victorian Legislative Council on Monday evening this week, protecting labour hire workers from being underpaid and exploited by labour hire businesses and hosts.
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The scheme is in response to the Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work – a key election promise – which uncovered widespread abuse and exploitation of workers across Victoria.
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Under the scheme, providers of labour hire services will be required to hold a licence and hosts will be required to only use licensed providers.
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To obtain a licence, providers will be required to pass “a fit and proper person test” and show compliance with workplace laws, labour hire laws, and minimum accommodation standards.
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The legislation also means licensed providers will be listed on a publicly accessible register and rogue operators that do not comply or attempt to flout the scheme will be liable for hefty civil and criminal penalties.
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The scheme is broadly similar to labour hire licensing schemes in South Australia and Queensland, and will provide continuing impetus for a national scheme.
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An inspectorate within the Labour Hire Licensing Authority will monitor and investigate compliance with the scheme. The Government will now begin to construct the Authority, recruit a Commissioner and design an education campaign for businesses and the community.
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Businesses will be able to apply for a licence from next year.
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For further information please click here.
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Victorian Local Jobs First Bill
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The Victorian Government this week introduced new laws that put local workers and businesses first.
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Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll at Melbourne Park to announce the Victorian Local Jobs First Bill, which will mandate minimum local content on major projects, including a 90 per cent minimum on construction projects. It also mandates the use of local apprentices, trainees and cadets.
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The Bill comes in response to the Premier’s Job Summit in 2017, and enshrines the Government’s flagship local jobs policies – the Victorian Industry Participation Policy and the Major Projects Skills Guarantee – in law.
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The legislation also establishes the Local Jobs First Commissioner, who will advocate for businesses and workers so they get a greater share of government projects, and oversee compliance of local content and workforce commitments.
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The Bill builds on the Government’s reforms to industry participation including reducing the Strategic Projects threshold from $100 million to $50 million. The Government has already set local content requirements for 88 strategic projects, including level crossing removals.
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In addition, there will be a new requirement on all government agencies to buy local uniforms and locally-manufactured personal protective equipment – such as high-vis vests, hard hats and safety goggles – where possible, instead of importing gear from overseas.
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The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes $5 million to create a new Office of Industry Participation and Jobs to support the delivery of the local content and Major Project Skills Guarantee policies, including strengthened compliance activities including an audit of major projects to make sure local content requirements are being met.
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Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
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“We’re making sure every Victorian benefits from our record investment in infrastructure.”
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“Our multibillion dollar pipeline of projects is already creating tens of thousands of jobs for Victorians and opportunities for local suppliers.”
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Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
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“We’re already giving local workers and businesses every chance to supply our major projects – this Bill takes it further and makes it the law.”
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“No other jurisdiction in Australia sets mandatory targets in legislation – by doing so we’re at the forefront of industry participation – creating thousands of jobs for Victorians and supporting local businesses and industry.”
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For further information please click here.
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The Importance of TAFE to Victoria’s Prosperity: Launch of Major Report
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On Thursday morning this week the Victorian TAFE Association launched its major report - The importance of TAFE to Victoria’s prosperity
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The report has been prepared by KPMG. It represents for the first time TAFE’s contribution to Victoria’s economic wellbeing and social fabric. The report’s lead author, Professor Stephen Parker, lead Education Partner at KPMG presented and discussed the major findings.
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- Victorian TAFEs contribute $2.9 billion to Victoria Gross State Product annually
- Victorians enjoy a return of $2.19 in economic activity for every $1.00 spent by Victorian TAFEs and dual sector universities
- The activities of Victoria’s TAFEs result in a lift in the overall productivity of Victoria’s workforce
- The backbone supporting TAFE’s economic contribution is targeted training facilitated through long-standing and robust industry and employer relationships and delivered through world-class facilities located in every corner of the state
- The pivotal role of TAFE in supporting social cohesion and mobility, with 40 per cent of students enrolled in TAFE coming from a low socio-economic background, compared to 33per cent in private training providers and 17 per cent in universities
- The central position of TAFE in supporting regional communities, with TAFE training proportionately more regional students than other training providers
- The continued need for a robust and strong TAFE network to meet rapid industry transformation and skill shortages that will change the shape of the Victorian economy and society into the future.
Victorian TAFE Association Executive Director Andrew Williamson said, “The KPMG report confirms the vital role of TAFE to the social and economic wellbeing of all Victorians.”
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To read Minister Gayle Tierney’s press release please click here.
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National VET Review – Labour Party
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This week on National TAFE day – Tuesday 20 June the labour government held its initial meeting to review VET.
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Labor has put forward plans to guarantee funding for TAFE and to implement strong and sensible measures stop the shonks and sharks in the private sector.
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The National Vocational Education and Training Sector Review adds to the announcement last year that a Shorten Labor Government would guarantee TAFE funding into the future by working with Premiers and Chief Ministers on a comprehensive National Priority Plan that defines the role of TAFE and places it squarely as the public provider within the VET sector.
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Last year, Labor called on the Government to put forward strong, sensible measures to:
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- Establish a VET Ombudsman;
- Cap tuition fees in line with how university fees are set;
- Lower the lifetime limit for VET FEE-HELP loans to half the current amount;
- Require loan applications for students to be handled by the department rather than a private college or broker;
- Ban or place restriction on brokers;
- Provide the Minister with the power to suspend payments to a private college under investigation.
There is significant evidence that the vocational training sector must be underpinned by a strong and viable public provider.
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We must protect the reputation of the sector, prioritise outcomes for students and meet the national need for a well-trained workforce into the future.
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To access the terms of reference for the VET review please visit the ALP website.
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This week the NSW government released its 2018/19 State budget with one item in particular focusing on attracting more apprentices and easing the financial load.
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The Government is providing 100,000 fee-free Smart and Skilled apprenticeships to students to ease the financial pressures faced by students and increase the uptake of apprenticeships.
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Fees for apprenticeships are often a barrier to participation in training. Upfront fees, compounded by tool and travel costs, can be prohibitive for prospective apprentices on the minimum apprentice wage.
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There are skilled labour shortages in many industries in New South Wales, including the construction, hospitality and automotive repair industries.
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A fee-free apprenticeship can remove financial barriers to, and provide an incentive for prospective students enrolling in a Smart and Skilled apprenticeship and enable them to take advantage of the high demand for jobs in these growing sectors.
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As with a similar announcement in Victoria’s budget in May, we will wait to see further details.
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The Tasmanian government also released its State budget this week please visit the TAS Government website for full details.
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National Industry Insights Report Forecasts Skills Priorities
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The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) recently launched a new online resource to help ensure vocational education and training (VET) qualifications and skills are evidence based and meeting the needs of industry.
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The National Industry Insights Report combines industry intelligence from the AISC’s network of 64 Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) with broader labour market and training data.
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“We need a workforce that can adapt to and take advantage of new opportunities as the nature of work changes. This resource is part of the AISC’s focus on creating a strong evidence base to inform VET training package development and ensure qualifications meet skills needs,” said AISC Chair, John Pollaers.
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“It draws on the skills forecasts from IRCs, providing valuable grassroots intelligence from employers, employees and industry peaks about future skills and training needs,” Prof Pollaers said.
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The National Industry Insights Report provides information on both an industry and national scale and includes economic and employment trends, skills forecasts and the factors that affect the demand for skills.
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The Report was developed for the AISC by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and highlights a strong demand in many industries for workers with digital skills, cross-industry skills and technical knowledge.
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“We all know increased digitalisation and automation of the workforce is already affecting the way we work. The National Industry Insights Report is a fantastic resource to help IRCs in their work to ensure Australian qualifications are relevant, up-to-date, and meet the changing needs and priorities of employers and the economy,” Mr Pollaers said.
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Industry Skills Forum 2018
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Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is kicking off a series of industry skills forums across the country to explore current and future skill needs. The forums will provide the opportunity to directly shape the skills and workforce priorities for your industry.
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- Discuss barriers and opportunities to develop and recruit skilled employees – now and for the future
- Influence the development of world class qualifications
- Learn about current strategies targeting workforce development
- Reveal emerging skill needs for your industry
- Engage with industry leaders
Future-skilling our people will be critical for industry and educators as the global environment evolves and emerging technologies impact job requirements. While new opportunities are driving the economy, there are challenges to ensure business can access a sustainable, flexible workforce with high-quality skills.
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AIS undertakes stakeholder engagement, research and analysis on behalf of the 11 Industry Reference Committees (IRC) we support. The industry skills forums are a central platform in our intelligence gathering activity and will allow us to identify industry skill needs, now and into the future.
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Information and intelligence gathered from the forums will assist the IRCs to develop next year’s IRC Skills Forecasts and Proposed Schedules of Work.
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The forums will be held in each State and Territory, kicking off in in early August. Details on when and where the events will take place will be communicated shortly, click here for further information.
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GOTAFE Appoints New CEO
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GOTAFE has appointed Travis Heeney as the new Chief Executive Officer.
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Mr Heeney, who will take up his new role on July 2, has a strong track record in local government, not for profit and business transformation.
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The GOTAFE Board Chair Joanne Dwyer welcomed Mr Heeney’s appointment, which follows recommendations by an independent expert relating to the ongoing delivery of quality education and training in the region.
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“Travis has a great understanding of the region, having worked with the Mitchell Shire Council and has the proven experience to oversee organisational change, while building closer relationships with the community,” Ms Dwyer said.
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“It was these qualities, which will help make a positive contribution to the culture at the GOTAFE that made Travis stand out in a list of high quality candidates.”
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Most recently, Mr Heeney has been contracted to lead business transformation in various regional and metropolitan community focussed organisations, assisting them to achieve their full potential.
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Mr Heeney said he was looking forward to working with the GOTAFE organisation over the longer term to build an open and transparent culture, capable of responding to the exciting and evolving landscape of further education both locally and more broadly.
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“This is a great opportunity to work with the Board and staff to rebuild the GOTAFE offering, by ensuring we operate collaboratively with government, the community and other stakeholders,” Mr Heeney said.
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“Together we will strive to deliver the best opportunities for students and ensure the GOTAFE maintains a prominent and valuable role in the ongoing development of the region.”
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Mr Heeney has recently held executive positions with Macedon Shire Ranges Council, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre and Mitchell Shire Council.
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ACNC Update
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David Locke accepts new role as CEO and Chief Ombudsman of AFCA
The ACNC would like to congratulate Assistant Commissioner David Locke, who has today been appointed as Chief Ombudsman and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
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David has been an integral member of the ACNC for almost 7 years, playing a vital role as Chief Adviser to the ACNC Taskforce before his appointment as Assistant Commissioner, Charity Services. He has been an essential part of the fabric of the ACNC.
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We would like to thank David for his outstanding service and commitment to the ACNC. He leaves behind a well-founded and highly skilled team of staff who are ready to continue his exemplary service to Australia’s charity sector.
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You can read AFCA's media release on their website, please click here.
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Red Tape Reduction for Thousands of Victorian Charities
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The red tape burden will significantly reduce for thousands of Victorian charities, after the Victorian Government signed an exemption order to remove duplicate reporting requirements for incorporated associations.
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Charities registered with the ACNC that are also incorporated associations will no longer need to lodge an annual statement with Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), or pay an annual statement lodgement fee to CAV.
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Some exceptions may apply. For more information about the changes, or to determine if they apply to your charity, visit the ACNC
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Thanks to our Industry Partners
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