This is a significant step to help build the tertiary education system Australia needs now and into the future.
The ATEC is a key recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord. It will:
- help break down the barriers between university and Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- allocate funding under the new Managed Growth Funding system
- implement Needs-based Funding within the core funding model
- negotiate mission-based compacts to support a diverse, responsive and high-performing sector
- provide expert, independent advice to government
- publish a State of the Tertiary Education System Report every year
- take over responsibility for the Higher Education Standards Framework from the current Higher Education Standards Panel.
Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, said:
“Establishing the ATEC is a great milestone for education and training in Australia. We now have a dedicated body to drive the work to bring our university and vocational education and training sectors closer together. The establishment of the ATEC makes real our ambitions for a joined up tertiary education system, in which vocational and higher education pathways are equally valued. For the wider community, this means our tertiary education sector can be more responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce – so we have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Read the full media release on the Minister's media centre website.