Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the skills and training initiatives announced last night in the 2021-22 Federal Budget, following earlier announcements of essential support measures for the independent higher education sector and students.

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes today’s announcement from Minister for Education and Youth, The Hon Alan Tudge MP and Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, The Hon Stuart Robert MP unveiling a suite of budget measures to support independent higher education providers and students valued at $53.6 million.

IHEA thanks the Department of Education, Skills and Employment for the opportunity to make a submission in response to the government’s development of a model for university research commercialisation.

IHEA supports new thinking and the student-centred approach

Independent providers ranked highest by students for education quality

IHEA members thank the Attorney-General’s Department for its consultation on this exposure legislation and for the opportunity to provide a submission. IHEA supports the principle behind the exposure legislation, that public investment and funds be protected from corruption and malfeasance. However, there are too many uncertainties and a lack of clarity around some central issues that need to be addressed before IHEA could support the legislation.

Over two episodes, Claire and her guests, including IHEA’s Dr Sally Burt, discuss what’s in the Productivity Commission’s report on the new National Skills Agreement.

The Productivity Commission has released its Final Report on the Review into the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development, requested by Government to evaluate the agreement’s success at meeting targets and find ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the VET system. The Commission’s findings and recommendations will guide VET policy moving forward.

IHEA members are in favour of the government expanding the tax deductibility of education to include courses not linked to a person’s employment. This is seen as a positive move towards incentivising Australians to reskill and transition through different careers, recognising the pattern of employees operating in multiple industries through their lifetime.

Peak body emphasises importance of continuing higher education reforms