Tehan, Andrews and Cash are back
As expected Dan Tehan (Education) and Karen Andrews (Industry, Science and Technology) will continue in their previous posts. Michaelia Cash keeps employment, skills and family business.
Mr Tehan set his priories in a statement last night in which he committed to continuing work on pre-school, childcare, school reform and regional study hubs. “The work we have begun with higher education providers to lift Australia’s attainment rates outside of our capital cities will remain a paramount priority.”
Ms Andrews she would “keep working hard to promote cutting-edge science, ensure all Australians benefit from innovation in industry and support our technology sector.”
While some in the training community were hoping to have ministerial responsibility for VET returned to the education portfolio at least they now have a junior minister of their own. Liberal MP Steve Irons becomes assistant minister for VET and apprenticeships, in Senator Cash’s portfolio. Like his boss, he is a West Australian. While uncertain last night, this may mean the VET bureaucracy moves from the now Department of Education and Training.
The lobbies were quick to congratulate ministers yesterday, especially the Regional Universities Network. Chair Helen Bartlett (Federation U) said as minister previously Mr Tehan, “demonstrated his support for regional Australia and commitment to regional higher education.”
She added that “to increase the number of highly skilled professionals in the regions, regional universities must be able to grow their student numbers.” In a pitch to government policy of performance based growth funding, Professor Bartlett added, “we urge the government to adopt performance measures for the funding of student places from 2020 which will assist us in achieving this goal.”
The Group of Eight focused on the bigger picture. CEO Vicki Thomson said the Eight, “appreciates the prime minister’s decision to ensure continuity across key portfolios in what are turbulent geopolitical times. Never has it been more important to ensure policy stability in the areas of defence, trade and education – all portfolios the Go8 contributes to by way of research, international engagement and educating the future workforce required to underpin our national economy.”