Compendium of Priorities and Initiatives (Continued)
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Early Childhood Education and Care
In December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments agreed to substantial reform in education and early childhood development. This includes new compulsory national standards for childcare and early childhood education services.
This reform will deliver a higher standard of care for children, and clearer and more comprehensive information for parents.
This new National Quality Framework will be phased in from 1 July 2010 and will ensure national consistency in early childhood education and childcare services including outside school hours care.
The new framework will include requirements for:
- Improved staff-to-child ratios under the National Quality Standard;
- new qualifications requirements for all early childhood education workers under the National Quality Standard;
- a transparent quality ratings system, which will allow parents to easily compare the quality on offer at different child care services;
- streamlined regulatory arrangements, which will mean less paperwork for services, so they have more time to spend providing high quality care; and
- a new jointly governed national body between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to oversee the new standards.
The new framework was developed collaboratively between all governments and the community and will ensure all providers operate under clear and nationally consistent standards for care and early education.
The National Quality Framework incorporates feedback received on the Regulation Impact Statement, which was released by COAG in July 2009.
The reforms will be implemented across all jurisdictions over 10 years and the Government will continue to help parents meet the costs of childcare.
In the 2010‑11 Budget, the Australian Government has allocated $84 million over four years to deliver the National Quality Framework. This is on top of the support the Australian Government provides to families through the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.
Improvements to Australian Government funded early childhood services in rural and regional areas
Particularly for rural and regional areas, funding of $59.4 million will be available from 2010‑11 to 2013‑14 to assist Budget Based Funded early childhood services to meet the National Quality Standards agreed by the Council of Australian Governments in December 2009 and to be introduced from January 2012. Budget Based Funded early childhood services are funded by the Australian Government to provide childcare and early learning opportunities where the market would otherwise fail to deliver childcare. These services predominantly operate in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
The funding will be targeted at improving the facilities Budget Based Funded services operate from, the qualifications of staff working in these services and their governance. Opportunities for improving the integration and potential co-location of services for children and their families in communities will also be considered. Families and children using these services can expect to receive quality early childhood education and care programs that meet the National Quality Standards.
TAFE fees waiver for child care diploma and advanced diploma courses
The Government has provided $106.5 million from 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 to support over 8,000 people a year, including existing childcare workers, to gain a vocational education and training qualification in early childhood. Since January 2009, students enrolling in a Diploma of Children's Services or an Advanced Diploma of Children's Services delivered by a TAFE institute or other government-training provider are no longer required to pay the regulated course fee.
Enhancing scrutiny of the financial viability of large Long Day Care providers
Following the insolvency of ABC Learning, the Government has decided in the 2010‑11 Budget that some additional scrutiny of the financial standing of large childcare providers is warranted. A draft framework for regular assessments of the financial viability of Long Day Care (LDC) providers managing or operating 25 or more services will be developed consisting of appropriate indicators, benchmarks and processes for collecting data and conducting assessments. Providers and the sector will be consulted on this draft framework before a decision is made on its implementation and final shape by the end of 2010. Funding of $1.9 million has been provided to develop and implement this framework from 2010‑11 to 2013‑14.
Complementing this, the Family Assistance Legislation will be amended to give the Minister responsible for early childhood education and childcare additional powers of review. These powers will allow the Minister to commission an independent, confidential investigation or audit of a particular provider where there are concerns about its financial viability and the failure of the provider could have a material impact on the market or a section of the market. Both measures could take effect from July 2011, subject to legislative changes.
Education
Schools
Generally, the vast majority of people in Australia are well educated at school and make a successful transition from school to work or further study. The Government recognises that students in remote and rural locations face unique challenges that impact on their effective participation in education.
The Government is committed to ensuring that through its Education Revolution there is an investment in the education of all Australian school students regardless of where they live or the circumstances of their community.
There is currently a gap in the achievement of outcomes in important measures like literacy and numeracy attainment and Year 12 retention for students in rural and regional schools compared to those in metropolitan areas.
The Australian Government is implementing initiatives that take significant steps toward delivering for Australian students an education system that ensures all Australian school students acquire the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in society and employment.
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC)
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) scheme supports eligible primary, secondary and tertiary students unable to attend an appropriate government school on a daily basis because of their geographic isolation. The scheme provides financial assistance to families for the costs of boarding and other expenses for their children. In 2009, AIC assisted 11,098 rural and isolated school students at a cost of $59.5 million and in 2010‑11, funding is approximately $69.4 million.
In 2010‑11, two elements of the AIC are available to assist rural and remote communities. These include:
- the Additional Boarding Allowance, which provides supplementary assistance for low-income families whose children must board away from home for their schooling. This allowance is $2,295 between 1 January and 31 December 2011; and
- the Distance Education Supplement, which recognises the financial stress on rural families. This allowance is $1,061 until the end of June 2011.
Application for these two supplementary allowances is made through Centrelink. The AIC scheme is a demand-driven program based on the numbers of eligible claimants, and numbers are based on a calendar year.
The Country Areas Program (CAP)
The Country Areas Program (CAP) is designed to help schools and remote communities improve educational opportunities and outcomes for students who are disadvantaged because of their geographical isolation. The program aims to help isolated students to obtain similar learning outcomes as students in less isolated areas. Between 2005 and 2008, CAP provided funding of $114.1 million to schools across all education sectors.
From 2009, CAP funding for government schools has been incorporated into the National Education Agreement. CAP funding for all Catholic and Independent schools is covered by the Schools Assistance Act 2008. In 2009, CAP funding for Catholic and Independent educational sectors totalled $5.5 million. In 2010, CAP funding for Catholic and Independent education sectors is estimated at $5.8 million and approximately $6.1 million is allocated for 2011.
Since 2008, non‑government schools have received a remoteness loading calculated as an additional percentage above their per capita general recurrent grant funding for students studying at eligible locations. Non‑government schools or campuses classified as moderately accessible, remote or very remote receive an additional 5 per cent, 10 per cent or 20 per cent respectively of the funding entitlement associated with their socioeconomic status score. The funding is provided in recognition of the higher cost of delivering education services in regional and remote areas of Australia and the negative impact that this can have on student achievement levels. In 2009, 412 non‑government schools across 444 campus locations received the loading.
A range of national schools initiatives can assist schools, students and families in remote, rural and regional areas.
Building the Education Revolution (BER)
The Commonwealth Government has committed funding of $16.2 billion over four years from 2009 to provide new facilities and refurbishments in Australian schools to meet the needs of 21st Century students and teachers through the Building the Education Revolution (BER).
BER complements the existing and planned investments by the states, territories and the non‑government system. It is a critical component of the Government's economic stimulus package, giving schools and students the bricks and mortar infrastructure and resources.
The program builds on the Government's commitment to deliver world-class education to all schools throughout the country.
The three key elements of BER are:
- Primary Schools for the 21st Century — $14.1 billion for all Australian primary schools, K-12 schools (primary school component) and special schools to build new iconic facilities such as libraries, multipurpose halls or classrooms, or to upgrade existing facilities.
- Science and Language Centres for 21st Century Secondary Schools — $0.8 billion for the construction of new science laboratories or language learning centres.
- National School Pride Program — $1.3 billion for all schools in Australia, government and non-government, for funding for minor capital works and maintenance projects.
As an example of funding to rural and remote communities, $89.2 million has been approved under the Building the Education Revolution for school projects in the 29 communities in which the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership will be implemented.
- National School Pride - $5.4 million
- Primary Schools for the 21st Century - $70.3 million
- Science and Language Centres for 21st Century Secondary Schools - $13.6 million
Capital Grants Program (CGP)
The Capital Grants Program (CGP) has supported the construction and upgrading of schools in partnership with state and territory governments, non‑government school authorities and local school communities. Between 2005 and 2008, as part of the CGP General Element, the Government provided $1.2 billion to government schools and $494 million to non‑government schools, including in remote, rural and regional areas. This includes an amount of $19 million in CPG funding made available over 2005-08 for non‑government schools in rural and isolated communities in the Northern Territory. From 2009, states and territories have the capital grants funding rolled into their specific purpose payment. Over the funding period 2009-12, the Australian Government is providing an estimated $543 million in funding to the non‑government school sector for Capital Grants funding.
Local Schools Working Together (LSWT)
The Local Schools Working Together (LSWT) pilot program is an important element of the Australian Government's Education Revolution. The LSWT program aims to encourage government, Catholic and independent schools to work together to develop shared educational facilities to broaden the benefit of the Government's expenditure on school capital infrastructure. Funding of $62.5 million was made available over four years commencing 2008‑09 for the development of shared educational facilities nationwide, including in remote, rural and regional areas.
Parliament and Civics Education Rebate
The Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) provides a subsidy for students from Years 4 to 12 to travel to Canberra to visit Parliament House, Old Parliament House (the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and/or the National Electoral Education Centre), the Australian War Memorial and other national civic institutions where possible, as part of their civics and citizenship education. Funding of $16.7 million has been allocated to PACER between 2009‑10 and 2012‑13.
The National Schools Chaplaincy Program
The National Schools Chaplaincy Program is a voluntary program that provides up to $20,000 per year for schools to establish chaplaincy services, or enhance existing services, to provide pastoral care within their schools. The Government has committed a total of $207.8 million over the four years of the program (2007‑08 to 2010‑11), with 1,160 rural and regional schools being provided with funding for chaplaincy services.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
The Australian Government is committed to the development of a rigorous and world-class Australian Curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12, beginning with the learning areas of English, mathematics, science and history. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has been established to oversee this work.
The Government has committed $20 million over the four-year period from 2008‑09 to 2011‑12 to support the work of ACARA for the development of the Australian Curriculum.
The Australian Curriculum in the four initial learning areas will be released by the end of 2010 and implemented by the states and territories from 2011. A second phase of work will involve languages, geography and the arts.
The development and implementation of an Australian Curriculum will help to ensure that all Australian students, including those living in rural and regional areas, receive the highest quality education. It will provide agreement on the curriculum content that all Australian students should be taught. It will also provide explicit advice on the achievement standards that all Australian students should be meeting, regardless of their circumstances or the location of their school.
Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program will provide $2.5 billion over 10 years to enable all secondary schools across Australia to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $1.5 million for Trade Training Centres. The program will help increase the proportion of students achieving Year 12 or an equivalent qualification. An important step in achieving this goal is to ensure students have access to high quality, relevant education and training opportunities that engage and encourage them to complete their studies while opening pathways for future employment.
The program was implemented in 2008 and key priorities are to support secondary school communities with Indigenous students, and students from regional or other disadvantaged communities and to establish regional skills hubs whereby secondary schools in regional locations develop partnerships for improved trade training delivery.
National Secondary School Computer Fund (the Fund)
The National Secondary School Computer Fund (the Fund) is investing $2.1 billion over six years (2008-2013) to improve secondary school student access to world-class information and technology as part of the $2.2 billion Digital Education Revolution. The Fund will provide for new or upgraded ICT for secondary students in years 9 to 12, including rural and remote communities. Since 2008, the Australian Government has granted funding of over $1.4 billion to assist 2,900 schools.
As agreed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the aim of the program is to achieve a 1:1 computer to student ratio by 2011. A preliminary audit of computers was conducted in 2008 and determined that 780,000 computers will need to be funded through the Fund to achieve a ratio of 1:1 by 2011.
Smarter Schools: Literacy and Numeracy National Partnership
The Smarter School National Partnership for Literacy and Numeracy will provide $540 million over four years (2009-2012) to facilitate and reward states and territories for implementing literacy and numeracy models or approaches that clearly demonstrate evidence for accelerating improvement in student results. Up to 1,022 schools around the country will receive assistance, with a focus on disadvantaged students. Many of the schools selected by states and territories to participate in this National Partnership are in rural and remote areas.
The Australian Government has also invested around $41 million from 2008‑09 to 2010‑11 in Literacy and Numeracy Pilots in Low SES (socioeconomic status) Communities across Australia. The 30 pilot initiatives are driving changes at the school level and building an evidence base of what works for disadvantaged students. Over 400 schools, including rural and remote schools, are actively involved in finding out what works to improve literacy and numeracy.
Helping children with Autism
In response to the increasing prevalence of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Australia, the Government is providing targeted support for these children, their parents, carers, teachers and other professionals through the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package. The $190 million package is being delivered over four years by the departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA); Health and Ageing (DoHA); and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
DEEWR is responsible for delivering two initiatives under the package, which aim to foster positive partnerships between schools and families to improve the educational outcomes of children with an ASD. The initiatives, which have been named Positive Partnerships: supporting students on the autism spectrum, provide:
- professional development for teachers, school leaders and other school staff to build their understanding, skills and expertise in working with children with an ASD;
- workshops and information sessions for parents and carers to assist them to work with their child's teachers, school leaders and other staff.
These initiatives are being delivered across Australia, including in rural and remote areas.
Partnerships and careers
The National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions aims to increase the educational engagement and attainment of young people and to improve their transition to post school education, training and employment through immediate, concerted action supported by broader long-term reform.
The National Partnership clarifies roles and responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories and was established to achieve a national Year 12 or equivalent attainment rate of 90 per cent by 2015.
Under the National Partnership, the Australian Government is providing funding of $623 million over four years (from 2009‑10) for improved youth engagement, attainment and transition arrangements. These arrangements include two new programs: School Community Business Partnership Brokers and Youth Connections.
The main objective of the Partnership Brokers program is to improve education and transition outcomes for all young people by facilitating stakeholder engagement, building community capacity and infrastructure and driving the Government's education reform and social inclusion agendas.
This will be achieved through a national network of Partnership Brokers that broker partnerships between and among education and training providers (including primary and secondary schools), business and industry, parents and families, and community groups to foster a strategic, whole-of-community approach that supports young people's learning and development. Partnerships will support young people, including those in rural and regional communities, to reach their potential and make a successful transition through school to further education or training and work.
Youth Connections providers will provide flexible, individualised and responsive services to assist young people who are at risk of disengaging from education or training. The objective of Youth Connections is to support these young people to attain Year 12 or equivalent and to help them make a successful transition through education and onto further education, training or work. Services available to Youth Connections participants include individualised case management and access to one-on-one assistance, group assistance, mentoring, advocacy and/or referrals to external support or specialist services.
Partnership Brokers and Youth Connections providers will work closely together to build partnerships that increase the capacity of education and training providers to support young people at risk, including those living in rural and regional communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
A number of national initiatives are designed to assist in closing the gap in educational disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, by focussing on young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from regional or remote parts of Australia.
Indigenous Youth Leadership Program
The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program ($48 million over four years 2009-2012) supports greater access to additional education choice for Indigenous students, particularly from remote and very remote areas of the country, through scholarships to attend participating high performing secondary schools (government and non‑government, day and boarding) and/or universities to complete Year 12 and/or an undergraduate degree.
Indigenous Youth Mobility Program
The Indigenous Youth Mobility Program ($49.2 million over four years 2009-2012) supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged 16 to 24, primarily from remote areas, to move away from home to gain the qualifications they need to have a greater chance of obtaining sustainable employment. There is a strong focus on Australian Apprenticeships, Vocational Education and Training and higher education.
The School Nutrition Program
The School Nutrition Program ($31.7 million over three years 2010-2012) continues the Government's contribution towards improving student engagement and attendance. In the Northern Territory this contribution is through a breakfast and lunch program for school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in targeted communities. The program also provides job opportunities and training for local Indigenous people living in remote communities.
The Three New Boarding Facilities in the Northern Territory initiative
The Three New Boarding Facilities in the Northern Territory initiative will provide for construction and operation of boarding facilities for up to 152 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students from remote areas in the Northern Territory. Two 40-bed facilities and one 72-bed facility will be constructed in 2010. It should be noted that these facilities are not boarding schools but supervised accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to have access to a quality secondary education.
Parental and Community Engagement Program
The Parental and Community Engagement Program ($84.3 million over four years 2009-2012) is a community-driven program that focuses on the development and implementation of creative and innovative approaches to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students through enhancing parental engagement with schools and education providers.
Sporting Chance Program
The Sporting Chance Program ($41.3 million over four years 2009-2012) uses sport and recreation as a vehicle to increase the level of engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to improve their educational outcomes. The program focuses on school-based sports academies to provide innovative and high quality sports-focused learning and development opportunities to secondary school Indigenous students, and education engagement strategies that provide a range of sport, recreation and education activities for primary and secondary Indigenous students.
Community Festivals for Education Engagement program
Community Festivals for Education Engagement program ($12.2 million over four years 2009-2012) encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to attend school regularly, complete Year 12 and pursue further educational and employment opportunities. The program's events also promote a greater understanding of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The Indigenous Education Ambassadors Program
The Indigenous Education Ambassadors Program ($400,000 over four years 2009-2012) uses a number of selected Indigenous Ambassadors to promote the importance of education, literacy and numeracy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their parents, and to the wider community, through the provision of a range of services to schools and other organisations. Ambassadors have been selected based on their knowledge, experience and community profile.
Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Programs
The Closing the Gap — expansion of intensive literacy and numeracy programs and individual learning plans 2008‑09 Budget measure was allocated $56.4 million over four years (2009-2012). An amount of $22.1 million has already been committed for expenditure under this program with an amount of $14.5 million or 66 per cent of the total committed for expenditure to date going to benefit schools in either provincial or remote locations.
Supporting Teachers
Smarter Schools: Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership
The single greatest influence in school on student engagement and achievement is the quality of the teacher. To support Australia's teacher workforce, the Australian Government is investing $550 million over five years (2008‑09 to 2012‑13) through the Improving Teacher Quality National Partnership. This will help attract and retain quality teachers and leaders in schools. Of this funding, $50 million over five years (2008‑09 to 2012‑13) will be directed to professional development to support principals to better manage their schools and improve student results. Strategies to retain teachers in rural and remote areas are an important element of the National Partnership.
The Teacher Housing Program
The Teacher Housing Program ($11 million over one year, 2010) as part of the Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory National Partnership Agreement addresses the urgent need for teacher accommodation in remote areas in the Northern Territory. Up to 22 additional teacher houses will be built in Northern Territory Emergency Response communities. This measure builds on the $5 million provided for up to 10 teacher houses in Wadeye and a further $5 million provided for renovation and construction of teacher houses for Aboriginal Independent Schools in Western Australia by 2013. These measures will assist in teacher recruitment and retention.
Higher education
Sustainable higher education provision that is responsive to the specific needs of regional Australia is essential to Australia's social and economic prosperity. Regional universities and their campuses play a significant role in the economic and social fabric of their communities. The Australian Government's reform agenda set out in Transforming Australia's Higher Education System will create a more flexible, student focused and accessible higher education system. The reforms will increase access to student income support and provide more equitable assistance. This will ensure more students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, Indigenous students and those from rural and regional areas are able to participate in education and training.
New models of educational delivery, based around partnerships and collaborations between universities, VET providers and schools, will play an important part in achieving the Government's ambition that by 2020, 20 per cent of higher education enrolments at the undergraduate level should be of people from a low socioeconomic status background.
Income support
Significant reforms to student income support were announced in the 2009‑10 Budget and commenced from 1 April 2010 following passage of amendments to the Social Security Act 1991. The reforms will increase access to, and better target income support for students who need it most, by ensuring that more students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, Indigenous students and those from rural and regional areas are able to participate in education and training.
Commencing 1 April 2010, the Australian Government has introduced scholarships as an entitlement for university students receiving student payments. The Student Start‑up Scholarship of $1,300 in 2010, increasing to over $2,128 in 2011, and indexed in following years, assists university students with costs associated with study each year they are receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. The Relocation Scholarship, of $4,000 in the first year of study and $1,000 each year following (also indexed), assists dependent university students, or independent students disadvantaged by personal circumstances, who are receiving Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY with the costs of establishing accommodation away from home. The Relocation Scholarship particularly benefits rural and regional students.
More students will be eligible to receive Youth Allowance as a result of the changes the Government has made to student income support arrangements. The Parental Income Test (PIT) threshold for maximum payment will increase from $33,300 to $44,165 from 1 July 2010 and the payment withdrawal rates for incomes above the threshold will be significantly relaxed.
From 1 July 2010 the workforce participation criterion for independence under Youth Allowance is being tightened. Students who have worked an average of 30 hours in each of six consecutive 13 week blocks in the two-year period prior to claiming will still be considered independent but students who have undertaken part-time work or earned more than $19,532 over 18 months will not. Under transitional arrangements, young people who completed Year 12 in 2008 took a 'gap year' in 2009 and started university during 2010 will have until 31 December 2010 to meet the current workforce participation criterion for independence under Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY. To be eligible, they must need to live away from the parental home to study at university or, if they live in the family home while studying, their combined parental income must be less than $150,000.
Effective from 1 January 2011, the three elements of the workforce participation criterion for independence will apply for students disadvantaged by distance from educational institutions. Students who live in very remote, remote and outer regional areas (according to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification), who have to move away from home to study and whose parents earn less than $150,000 a year, will be eligible for the existing independence test criterion.
The Government is also establishing a new Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund with funding of $20 million to help reduce the barriers for rural and regional students accessing higher education. A rural and regional taskforce will be created to consider issues of regional participation and advise on delivery of the fund from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2013.
Regional loading
Regional loading provides extra funding under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme to assist higher education providers with regional campuses to meet additional costs faced by providers because of their location, size and history. Regional loading recognises the unique contribution universities with regional campuses play in sustaining regional economic growth and development and the social and cultural life of their communities. In 2010, $31.8 million in regional loading has been allocated. The Australian Government is currently reviewing regional loading and the outcomes of the review will inform the Government's policy on the future provision of regional loading from 2012.
Equity Funding
The Australian Government is providing $56.4 million in higher education equity funding in 2010. The equity funding will support higher education institutions to attract and retain students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds. The funding will deliver:
- a new partnership program to systemically link universities with schools, vocational education and training providers and adult education to increase aspirations of low SES Indigenous and regional and remote students to access and participate in higher education; and
- a major student‑related component paid as a loading based on numbers of low SES in the enrolment profile of each institution.
HECS-HELP benefit
The Government has provided $12.4 million over 2008‑09 to 2011‑12 to reduce by about half the HELP debt of early childhood education teachers who work in areas of high need. Areas of high need are regional or remote areas, Indigenous communities, or areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage as determined by postcode.
The benefit will reduce compulsory HELP debt repayments by $1,558.50 a year (for the 2009‑10 income year, indexed annually) for up to a lifetime limit of 260 weeks (five years) of eligible employment.
Early childhood education teachers whose income is below the minimum repayment threshold for making a compulsory HELP repayment may also apply for a reduction in their HELP debt. Early childhood education teachers working in eligible regional or remote locations since the 2008‑09 income year have been able to apply to the Tax Office for the benefit following 1 July 2009.
Additional nursing university places
The Government funded 1,134 new Commonwealth supported higher education nursing places in 2009. More than 300 of these places have been allocated to regional campuses to create opportunities for students to study nursing without having to relocate to a metropolitan campus. More than 60 per cent of courses will provide clinical placement opportunities in rural and regional areas.
Additional early childhood university places
The Government has provided $53.9 million over 2008‑09 to 2011‑12 to create additional Commonwealth‑supported higher education places for students wishing to undertake early childhood education courses, starting with 500 additional places in 2009 and rising to 1500 additional places by 2011.
For the years 2009 and 2010, 500 additional places were allocated for each year. Of these, 150 places for 2009 and 125 places for 2010 were allocated to campuses in regional areas.
Of the 280 places allocated for 2011, 90 places were allocated to campuses in regional areas. Additional places for 2011 are still to be allocated in 2010.
Vocational education and training
Australian Apprenticeships
Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships) combine training and employment through paid work and structured training and lead to a national recognised qualification. They are available through a variety of certificate levels in more than 500 occupations, in traditional trades as well as a diverse range of emerging careers in most sectors of business and industry. Australian Apprenticeships are administered through Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AACs) located in 22 regions across Australia.
Declared Drought Area Incentive
The Declared Drought Area Incentive is designed to encourage rural employers to continue to offer employment opportunities to those who are willing to remain in drought declared areas and pursue training. Retaining employment in drought declared areas contributes to the Government's Social Inclusion agenda. Eligible employers can apply for a $1,500 Declared Drought Area commencement incentive and a $1,500 completion incentive payment for Australian Apprentices (apprentices and trainees) who meet the eligibility criteria. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Rural and Regional Skills Shortage incentive
The Rural and Regional Skills Shortage incentive is designed to boost training in rural and regional Australia. This incentive provides a special commencement incentive to a rural or regional employer who employs an Australian Apprentice undertaking a Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List. Eligible employers can receive a $1,000 Rural and Regional commencement incentive payment for Australian Apprentices who meet the eligibility criteria. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
The Living Away From Home Allowance
The Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) assists eligible Australian Apprentices in their first three years of their Australian Apprenticeship. The allowance is for Australian Apprentices who are required to move away from their parent's or guardian's home in order to take up or remain in an Australian Apprenticeship, or receive essential supplementary on-the-job training with another employer. LAHFA is also available when an Australian Apprentice is homeless. Eligible apprentices receive $77.17 a week for up to a year, $38.59 a week for a further 12 months and $25 a week for an additional 12 months. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Tools For Your Trade
The Tools For Your Trade (TFYT) payment is designed to provide support to Australian Apprentices in skills shortage trades, and in agricultural and horticultural occupations in rural and regional Australia. The payment will provide eligible Australian Apprentices with up to $3,800 over the life of their Australian Apprenticeship. Eligible Australian Apprentices will receive a tax‑exempt $800 payment at the 3, 12 and 24 month points of their training and a $700 payment at the 36 month point and on successful completion. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Support for Adult Australian Apprentices
The Support for Adult Australian Apprentices (SAAA) was introduced in January 2010 as a replacement for the Support for Mid-Career Apprentices initiative. It is designed to remove barriers for Adult Australian Apprentices aged 25 years and over who commence an Australian Apprenticeship at the Certificate III and IV level in a trade where there is a skills shortage. Eligible Australian Apprentices, either full time or part time will receive a maximum of $7,800 for first year payments and $5,200 for second year payments (full time). Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Securing Australian Apprenticeships
The Commencement Incentive and the Completion Incentive were both introduced to encourage employers to take on and retain an Australian Apprentice to the point where they successfully complete their Australian Apprenticeship at the Certificate II, III, IV or Advanced Diploma level for the Commencement Incentive and Certificate III, IV or Advanced Diploma level for the Completion level. Eligible employers are paid $1,250 for Australian Apprentices commencing Certificate II qualifications for the Commencement Incentive and $1,500 for the remaining qualifications. For the Completion Incentive, eligible employers are paid $2,500 for the successful completion by an Australian Apprentice of the qualifications listed. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Through the Recommencement Incentive, the Government offers a financial incentive to employers who provide opportunities for out-of-trade, unemployed and transferring Australian Apprentices undertaking Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications to complete their training. Eligible employers are paid $750 that can be claimed three months after the date of recommencement. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
The Securing Australian Apprenticeships Recommencement Bonus is designed to provide additional incentives to employers who employ an out of trade, unemployed or transferring Australian Apprentice undertaking a Certificate III, or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List (NSNL) or a Diploma or Advanced Diploma level. Eligible employers are paid $1,800 that can be claimed three months after the date of recommencement. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
The Securing Australian Apprentices Completion Bonus provides additional incentives to employers who retain an Australian Apprentice through to successful completion of a Certificate III, or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the NSNL or a Diploma or Advanced Diploma level qualification. Eligible employers are paid $1,000 on the completion of the apprentice's qualification. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
The Securing Australian Apprenticeships Bonus for Group Training Organisations (GTOs) incentive is designed to increase the national skills base in Australia by providing an additional payment to GTOs in recognition of the increased effort that may be required to undertake to establish a new host employer for Australian Apprentices during their Australian Apprenticeship. GTOs must be listed on the Group Training National Register. Eligible GTOs are paid $1,800 per eligible Australian Apprentices. Being demand driven the funding for this program is not capped.
Critical Skills Investment Fund
A significant training fund will be established by the Australian Government and industry, who will work together to plan for and meet Australia's emerging skills demands. The Government will contribute $200.2 million to the fund on the basis that industry will also make significant contributions to train existing workers and job seekers.
The aim is to develop the right skills in high demand sectors as the recovery proceeds. The fund will reduce the need to import labour in these key sectors.
The initial focus will be on up-skilling existing workers and training job seekers for work in key industries that are especially vulnerable to skills shortages—infrastructure and construction, renewable energy and resources—and is expected to benefit regional and remote communities supporting mining projects.
Emphasis will also be on regions and sectors under stress as a result of skilled workers attracted to major projects in other industries or regions
Foundation skills — Improving literacy and numeracy
More than 4.5 million working age Australians lack the core skills to progress in their work. The Government is determined and committed to tackling the language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) deficits that have been identified as affecting the future employment and earning prospects of more than 4.5 million working age Australians. The Government will provide $119.2 million over four years from 2010‑11 to improve and strengthen the Language Literacy and Numeracy Program, expand the Workplace English Language and Literacy Program and develop the new national Foundation Skills and Outreach Leadership project, to assist up to 140,000 Australians to build skills that will enable them to complete further training, secure employment and progress to higher skilled jobs. This means helping more and more Australians to be ready for work including in remote, rural and regional areas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
Away from Base (AFB)
Away from Base (AFB) for 'mixed‑mode' delivery covers travel costs including fares, meals and accommodation for students studying approved 'mixed‑mode' courses when they are required to travel away from their permanent home for a short period to undertake approved activities. Eligible providers in the higher education and vocational educational and training sectors administer AFB funding. The primary objective of AFB is to increase access and participation by Indigenous students from rural and remote areas in tertiary study (higher education and Vocational Education and Training), leading to increased enrolments and retention, improved educational outcomes and improved employment prospects, life choices and quality of life for Indigenous people. A 'mixed-mode' course is a nationally accredited course that is delivered through a combination of distance education and face-to-face teaching for students who are based in their home communities and undertake occasional intensive study periods on campus. The funding for this program is demand driven and has averaged expenditure of approximately $26 million for each year of its operation since 2000.
Employment
Reforms to Employment Services - Job Services Australia: People, Skills and Jobs
On 1 July 2009, the new national employment services system, Job Services Australia, commenced. The Government is investing $4.9 billion over three years until 30 June 2012 in Job Services Australia.
Job Services Australia is designed to meet the employment and recruitment requirements of both job seekers and employers. Under Job Services Australia, job seekers receive assistance tailored to their individual needs and level of disadvantage. Job Services Australia providers help job seekers access the right combination of training, work experience and other assistance to help them to find employment.
Job Services Australia also have a greater focus on employers, and providers will work with local employers to understand their labour needs and how best to fill their job vacancies.
Drought Force
Drought Force helps individual farms and farming communities in drought-declared areas that meet the Exceptional Circumstances criteria. The program is designed to ensure that these properties are maintained and are able to cope until the drought breaks. Drought Force also encourages people to remain in their local communities to build and retain skills that support local economies.
Job seekers undertaking Drought Force activities receive a supplement payment of $20.80 per fortnight to cover additional costs associated with participation.
Drought Force activities may be undertaken on private land where workers are not displaced. Individual volunteers or people on income support, as well as groups, can assist with drought mitigation tasks such as maintaining irrigation channels, hand feeding, watering stock, fencing, general repairs and maintenance.
Funding/places are not capped. For the term of the Employment Services Deed 2009‑10, funding for Drought Force activities, whether individual or group-based, is available through the Employment Pathway Fund (EPF), a flexible pool of funds that can be drawn down by Job Services Australia providers (JSA providers) to help job seekers obtain employment. For group-based Drought Force activities, JSA providers can access up to $20,000 of an Advance EPF to help them cover initial activity establishment costs.
This funding is part of the total $469.5 million allocated over three years to fund Work Experience activities including Drought Force.
Priority Employment Areas
Twenty priority employment areas were announced during 2009, following analysis of local labour markets vulnerable to the effects of the economic downturn. The regions receive targeted Government assistance until 30 June 2011 through the $20 million Local Employment Coordinator initiative. A number of factors were taken into consideration to select the priority employment areas including the pre-existing unemployment rate, sharp increases in applications for income support benefits, low levels of post compulsory education and high exposure to vulnerable industries such as manufacturing. A number of the priority employment areas are located in regional Australia.
Local Employment Coordinators work with employers and not-for-profit groups to identify new job opportunities and help match employment and training opportunities with Government services and funding. They have worked with communities to develop projects for funding and have worked through Job Services Australia providers to help job seekers access Government support and training. Local Employment Coordinators have established Keep Australia Working Advisory Committees in their priority employment areas and a number of these committees include representation from Regional Development Australia. The Committee's role is to assist Local Employment Coordinators with the development and implementation of a regional employment plan.
Early access to intensive employment services for workers made redundant
The Government has committed $298.5 million to ensure redundant workers or workers who have lost their job on or after 24 February 2009 have immediate access to personalised employment services. This assistance is available until 31 March 2011.
Disability Employment Services
The Australian Government values the contribution of people with disability to Australian society. People with disability who want to work should be supported in their efforts to get a job. All job seekers should have access to employment services that respond effectively to individual circumstances, local labour market conditions and to the needs of employers.
Following a comprehensive review of the previous employment programs for people with disability, Disability Employment Network and Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the new Disability Employment Services commenced on 1 March 2010. The Government will invest $2.7 billion over the next four years in these services.
In the development of the new model, the Government consulted widely and received valuable feedback from employment service providers and peak bodies, as well as from a range of individuals with disability and their advocates.
The new Disability Employment Services are demand driven, so that for the first time all eligible job seekers with disability have immediate access to a place in employment services that will help them get a job.
The new Disability Employment Services focuses on the needs of job seekers, with an increased emphasis on employment, skills development, education and training. The new services provide individually tailored assistance to job seekers so that they can achieve sustainable outcomes, and will offer more flexible options for those who need ongoing support in the workplace to retain their job.
Indigenous Employment Program (IEP)
The Government, in partnership with Indigenous people, is supporting Indigenous employment and enterprise development as pathways to greater economic independence. In 2009, the Australian Government made significant changes to the Indigenous Employment Program to make it more flexible and responsive to the needs of employers, Indigenous Australians and their communities. The Indigenous Employment Program now supports a broader range of activities that are suited to employers to increase opportunities for employment and economic development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Program is better able to focus on employer needs, and provide expanded support for Indigenous business development. The IEP can address literacy and numeracy barriers, build aspirations and support mobility. It complements the services provided by Job Services Australia providers.
Individuals, communities and organisations can access assistance directly from the DEEWR, or through the two panels of providers that have been established to help provide services under the Indigenous Employment Program. The IEP has a budget allocation of $152.1 million for the financial year of 2010‑11.
The Indigenous Employment Program also has several pre-designed elements that can be accessed directly. These include:
- The Indigenous Capital Assistance Scheme
- Indigenous Wage Subsidy
- CDEP Work Experience Subsidy
- Indigenous Cadetship Support
The IEP, together with the reformed Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Program are contributing towards meeting the target of halving the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.
Further information
Further information about these and other education, employment or workplace relations initiatives is available at www.deewr.gov.au.
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