in focus 29 March 2010

Productivity, quality and the private sector

This week’s meeting between ACPET and the Deputy Prime Minister focused on a number of policy areas of vital importance to our members, including:

• demand driven funding for private higher education providers

• increases to FEE-HELP administration fees and an increasingly incoherent fee regime

• spiraling compliance and administrative costs for private sector operators

• the implications of a national VET regulator sans Victoria and WA

• ACPET’s response to the Baird Review, including future consumer protection arrangements

• the stresses created in the international education industry by the high levels of uncertainty and its impact on prospective students.

Specific outcomes from the meeting included commitments from the DPM to begin a dialogue with the private sector about our inclusion in a demand driven higher education funding system and that the Government’s response to the Baird Review would not be progressed without input from ACPET and its members.

During the meeting, Ms Gillard recognized that the current environment for international education providers is highly stressful and agreed that it is now time for consolidation rather than further uncertainty. The DPM also acknowledged the role played by our members in supporting students through the TAS process. With over 5000 students placed and more than $15m of tuition fees delivered at no cost to students, our industry continues to deliver on its promise despite the unconscionable actions of a few.

In what are difficult and stressful times for many ACPET members Ms Gillard specifically stated her respect for ACPET and our leadership in working with members to improve quality standards and take action against those who are not willing to meet our requirements.

Our National Chair reinforced ACPET’s commitment to work with the Deputy Prime Minister and her staff to achieve tangible outcomes on behalf of members and to continue to promote the high standards and achievements of our members at every opportunity.

Please do not hesitate to contact me (click to email Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (Andrew Smith)) to discuss any of the above or to provide your ideas and input into the ongoing development of the Council.

Andrew Smith
Chief Executive Officer
29 March 2010