in focus 12 april 2010

This week ACPET will host a Summit meeting between an ACPET member delegation and the executive of DIAC.  The focus of the Summit will be on the action being taken by this government, already under pressure on the matter of border control and immigration that are crippling our industry at a time of deepening skills shortages.  Our dispute is with continued Government action that undermines earlier commitments to implement a sustainable link between education and the migration pathway that assures quality outcomes but does not inhibit entry to the pathway for those who demonstrate the necessary skills.

 

Recent debates about whether Australia can sustain a population of 35 million or 50 million in 2050 have re-energised the debate about the role of immigration in a developing Australia. In a worrying trend, the political debate seems largely focused on a competition between the two major parties as to who will cut Australia’s immigration numbers to the lowest figure.

 

The population debate is important and its outcomes will have implications for the long term prosperity of our country. However, a similar focus on the more immediate challenges facing both our economy and those private institutions whose efforts are focused on developing the skills base needed for a prosperous future is desperately needed.

 

ACPET has been outspoken in our support for policy changes that genuinely raise the quality of education and training in Australia and we have taken strong action to raise quality across the sector. We cannot support knee jerk reactions to perceived problems that are implemented without consultation or reasonable notice. These actions and the uncertainty they create place tremendous strain on ACPET members whose history and demonstrated commitment to quality education and training deserves greater respect.

 

Uncertainty and poorly conceived policy are cruelling the private education and training sector and undermining Australia’s fourth largest export industry, an industry that contributes significantly to our social and cultural wealth. The human face of this issue is the estimated 25,000 thousand employees who will lose their employment should the current trend continue.