Labor lies on schools

Bill Shorten, Chris Bowen and Kate Ellis have today demonstrated that Labor either don't have the faintest idea of how our school education system is structured in Australia or that they are hell-bent on telling lies all the way to the election.     “Malcolm Turnbull has today said that he will abandon school education…

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Roadmap to research readiness

The Turnbull Government has named the group of experts who will map out Australia’s research priorities over the coming decade.   Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the new Expert Working Group would help set the future direction of national research infrastructure after the Turnbull Government gave the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy…

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Addressing disadvantage in schools

A new report out today has confirmed that despite ever-increasing record levels of funding, the learning gaps of Australian students from different backgrounds continue to grow while our international rankings slip.   Australia’s education spending is at record levels that the OECD acknowledges as above the average yet the Grattan Institute’s Widening Gaps report shows…

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More preschoolers benefitting from early education

A record number of parents and families are taking advantage of early education and child care programmes according to a new report. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the data from the ABS’ Preschool Education, Australia, 2015 publication showed the Government’s Universal Access Agreement has encouraged an additional 16,088 children into early childhood…

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Statement of Safe Schools Coalition

Every student has a right to feel safe at school. Tolerance should be taught in our schools and homophobia should be no more accepted than racism. Students grappling with personal issues, including questions of sexual identity, deserve to be supported and deserve to be able to access the best information, advice and support. Students should…

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Two of Australia’s top teachers recognised

Two teachers from Victoria and WA have been recognised in a prestigious competition this morning for their outstanding work and contributions to teaching in Australia. Perth primary school teacher Richard Johnson was among the top 10 finalists for  the $1 million Global Teacher Prize while Christian Williams from Ashburton in Victoria also made it into…

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Experts named to measure value of university research

The Turnbull Government has announced an Australian-first panel of experts who will lead landmark efforts outlined in the National Innovation and Science Agenda to measure the value of research in Australia.  Australia is a world leader in the quality of our research but falls behind when it comes to commercialising good ideas and collaborating with…

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Dr Michele Bruniges AM

I welcome the appointment of Dr Michele Bruniges AM as the new Secretary of the Department of Education and Training from 4 April 2016.   Dr Bruniges has more than 25 years’ experience in the education sector, from her beginnings as a primary school teacher through to various senior roles in the public service, a…

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