Joint release with Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews
The Turnbull Government has announced the members of an expert panel to review Australia’s Qualifications Framework (AQF) to ensure it continues to meet the needs of students, education providers and employers.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said as part of the review the expert panel would examine other qualification frameworks across the world as well as changes in the nature of work and developments in education here in Australia.
“While the AQF is widely used across the spectrum of the education sector and well-regarded internationally, this review will ensure the Framework works as a tool used by employers and supports quality and transparency in our education system,” Minister Birmingham said.
“It’s vital we have a future framework that is adaptable and flexible to the demands of industry and that they can have confidence in the qualification outcomes of students.
“The review will also look at the changing qualification and course offerings of institutions, such as the rise of micro-credentials.
“I welcome Professor Peter Noonan from Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute who will take on the role of Chair and the other Panel members who will ensure Australia will have a robust and adaptable future qualifications framework.”
Professor Noonan will be joined by Megan Lilly, Professor Sally Kift and Professor Elizabeth More AM. Two other panel members will be nominated by the COAG Education Council and the COAG Industry Skills Council.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews said the review would cover qualifications across the entire spectrum of the education sector.
“It’s critical prospective and current students have a clear understanding of the education and training qualifications available in Australia,” Assistant Minister Andrews said.
“We want students to have access to a wide variety of tools to help them make informed decisions about the best career path for their goals and ambitions.
“This framework will help Australians map out a possible career and development pathway, whether they are finishing school, searching for a job or even looking to switch careers.”
Public consultations will take place in the second half of this year as well as the release of a discussion paper. The final report is expected provided to the government by June 2019.
Details can be found at: https://www.education.gov.au/australian-qualifications-framework-review-0.