Turnbull Government backs new research hubs, fellowships

The Turnbull Government will back 120 new research projects across Australia with $170.6 million to tackle problems from fire safety to the country’s ageing population, literacy and numeracy levels in schoolkids and coral reef conservation. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the benefits of many of the research projects would ultimately be felt…

Details

ACCC vs Acquire judgement

I welcome the Federal Court’s judgement today that Acquire, in relation to selected students, engaged in conduct that was unconscionable, made false or misleading representations and failed to comply with the provisions of the Australian Consumer Law relating to unsolicited consumer agreements. This reinforces the Turnbull Government’s strong approach to fix Labor’s failed VET FEE-HELP…

Details

One step closer for Gonski funding plan

The Turnbull Government’s schools funding plan has passed the House of Representatives despite the hypocritical opposition of all Labor members to Gonski needs-based funding.  Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the Australian Education Amendment Bill 2017 would deliver an extra $18.6 billion of needs-based funding – from current record levels – to Australia’s…

Details

International student numbers surge by 15 per cent

Australia has bolstered its popularity as a world class education destination with new data showing international student numbers soared by 15 per cent in the first three months of this year compared to 2016. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the surging international student numbers came on top of growth of around 10.5…

Details

Sentencing of Melissa Jade Higgins

Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those seeking to rort child care payments – you will be caught. Melissa Jade Higgins, sole director of Aussie Giggles FDC was today sentenced to seven years imprisonment – with a non-parole period of four years. Any report of fraudulent activity will be investigated and where wrongdoing is…

Details

Labor turns its back on Gonski

The Labor Party has abandoned needs-based funding and the principles of the Gonski Review that they lauded until it was no longer politically expedient.   I am disappointed but not surprised that Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek have chosen to play politics with this issue rather than to back the 9,000 schools that stand to…

Details

Opportunity for states to truly deliver on Gonski

I’m looking forward to meeting with my state and territory colleagues today to discuss Australia’s future schools funding arrangements and the implementation of a true, sector-blind, needs-based model that wipes away the current hodge podge of 27 special deals that distort a fair allocation of money and support.   As former ‘Gonski Review’ author Ken…

Details

More support for Turnbull Government’s schools plan

The Turnbull Government’s plan for schools has continued to be recognised for its fairness and equity. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the Turnbull Government’s proposal ensured every school was supported based on its need regardless of background, sector or faith while ensuring that investment is tied to initiatives in schools proven to…

Details