“In May 2015 my department initiated a formal review into six school authorities affiliated with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) following ongoing concerns about their independence, financial management and governance arrangements. “As a result of this review, on 13 November 2015, my department issued a Notice of proposed decision to each of the…
DetailsMinister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said entries were now open for the 2016 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards, Australia’s oldest and largest poetry competition for school aged children. “The Dorothea Mackellar Awards are a great opportunity for students to express themselves through poetry and to explore a form of creativity and writing that can…
DetailsTwelve top college coders have “raised the bar” for other young Australians according to the Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham, as demand for cyber security skills booms. Minister Birmingham said that along with the Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Cyber Security Challenge promoted a greater focus on science, technology, engineering…
DetailsAll states and territories have signed up to the Turnbull Government’s National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, unlocking $840 million in federal funding for quality preschool programmes across the country. Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham said the National Partnership guarantees funding for 600 hours of quality preschool and…
Details“Revelations in The Australian today that one of Senator Nick Xenophon’s federal candidates has aligned herself with a group that has strong links to Pauline Hanson pose some serious questions for the candidate, Ms Sharkie, and Senator Xenophon. “The Food Producers Land Owners Action Group (FLAG) has actively promoted Pauline Hanson and hosted at least…
DetailsMinister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said Labor’s introduction of the Early Years Quality Fund had been a shambles that had funnelled off taxpayer money in a way that gave unfair advantages to child care providers ‘in the know’. “The Public Accounts Committee report on the EYQF paints a damning picture of Labor’s…
DetailsBill Shorten today confirmed the Australian Education Union is simply a mouthpiece for the Australian Labor Party, claiming apparently ‘independent’ AEU research as his own Shadow Education Minister’s. “So what Kate’s research underlines is that there isn’t enough money being invested in our school kids.” – Bill Shorten, Press Conference, 15/02/2016 ‘Kate’s research’ actually refers…
DetailsLabor has confirmed they will continue to block the Jobs for Families child care package by opposing required savings measures, while revealing they will blow out their almost $50 billion budget black hole by promising amendments. “Any changes, amendments or expansion of the child care reforms need to be paid for,” Minister Birmingham said.…
DetailsA leading science and technology advocate will join the Higher Education Standards Panel, strengthening its capacity to advise on issues relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham has reappointed the Chair and members of the Higher Education Standards Panel for a further two year period,…
DetailsTeachers, students and parents will receive more support to recognise the warning signs of radicalisation and provide appropriate support to at-risk youth in their school communities. The new measures follow the Review of Initiatives Supporting Youth at Risk of Radicalisation commissioned in May 2015 and the Government’s commitment to provide additional support to schools, families,…
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