the best acpet conference ever
National Monday Update Issue:
A record number of delegates were welcomed to the 2010 ACPET National Conference by Kay Ganley, ACPET National Chair, in the Conference Hall at the Crown Conference Centre.
In her opening statement to the conference, Kay reflected on the strength of the ACPET membership in a period of profound change resulting from the combined impact of economic downturn, successive and at times damaging Government policy changes and the evolving market dynamics of a maturing industry. As she identified “the past twelve months has been a period in which the capabilities, the tenacity and the very character of the private education and training sector have shone through with remarkable resilience”.
Uncle Ringo of the Wurundjeri Tribe welcomed delegates to his Country.
Kay Ganley, ACPET Chair, welcoming delegates to the conference
The following is a brief summary of the conference proceedings, focussing on the presentations from keynote speakers. Next week's National Monday Update will have a more detailed report on the conference (and presentations from those presenters who have made them available to us).
Peter van Onselen, Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia and a contributing editor to The Australian newspaper and Sky News, gave the opening conference address. Peter outlined the various scenarios likely in a hung parliament, as well as his views on how the election result will be decided and what it will mean for the country and the private education and training sector. Peter’s address drew many questions from delegates and along with Kay Ganley’s opening statement, helped to frame the debates and discussions which took place at the conference over the remaining two days.
Peter van Onselen
Claire Field, ACPET Deputy CEO, responded to Peter’s address by outlining the importance of the private education and training sector, including recent research on its size, scope and diversity. Drawing on her recent experience in the establishment of NARA, Claire also reflected on the important ways in which ACPET and its members are lifting the quality bar and the significant impact of ACPET’s sometimes unseen (and behind the scenes) policy advocacy efforts.
Michael Henderson, Corporate Anthropologist, outlined for delegates how leaders can strengthen their businesses by focusing on the conference theme of ‘Quality through Diversity’. Michael’s humorous and insightful presentation helped described different organisational cultures and their characteristics. Michael cautioned that “others are not a failed attempt at being us” and offered a number of insights into how managers can accept, identify and benefit from the diversity of those in their organisation.
Michael Henderson
The Hon Simon Crean MP, Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Minister for Social Inclusion addressed the conference and outlined the importance of education to Australia’s productivity and a number of government initiatives to boost investment in education and strengthen the economy. With respect to international education in Australia, Minister Crean highlighted the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on declining enrolments. He also outlined a strong future for the sector, particularly in relation to offshore trade opportunities involving skills formation and development.
(l-r) Andrew Smith, Kay Ganley, the Hon Simon Crean MP and Claire Field
Bernard Salt, Partner, KPMG, highlighted the demographic changes affecting the globe, leading to the development of a ‘3rd hemisphere’ in our region based around the growing significance of India and China. These changes give Australia a unique opportunity to become a key player in the provision of regional stability.
As the demographics of the Australian population continue to change; current immigration policy settings and our aging population are delivering challenges for government and for communities. As some communities are affected by declining populations, others are booming and struggling with the infrastructure challenges a population boom delivers. . The effects of a shrinking tax base and skills shortage as our population ages, will drive our need for an ongoing strong immigration program.
Bernard Salt emphasising a point
Ms Sam Mostyn, Director, Institute for Sustainable Solutions, University of Sydney spoke to conference delegates about the growing interrelationship between business development and sustainability, as well as the opportunities this brings for innovation and job creation. In an increasingly complex and globally connected world, Sam argued that the principles of sustainability provide a new framework for business development and that unlike the more rigid processes within large public education and training providers, it was the innovative, flexibility and responsive processes of private providers which would see them at the forefront of assisting businesses in adapting to more sustainable practices and to capitalising on the new opportunities this shift will bring.
Sam Mostyn
Richard Woolcott, Founding Director, Asia Society AustralAsia Centre reported on the outcomes of the Asia Pacific International Education Forum that took place ahead of the conference on Wednesday 25 August. The forum brought together regional providers, experts and stakeholders in education and training from countries across the Asia Pacific region. Richard commended the private education and training sector for its leadership on this important initiative. For more details on Richard's presentation and the Forum go to the International Engagement section of this week’s National Monday Update.
Glenn Milne, Kay Ganley & Richard Woolcott
Glenn Milne, political commentator with The Australian newspaper provided detailed background and insights to the political events which have led to the likely "hung parliament" election result. He provided substantial insights into the views and circumstances of key political players, including the three regional independent MPs and the likely make-up and of the new parliament and the impact of the election results for Australia’s future.
In the closing session, noted corporate speaker John Lees gave delegates advice on business strategy and success which was well-mixed with humour to ensure maximum impact. Having written 11 books, which John reminded delegates was ‘ten more than God’, John’s business experience and insights provided concrete and practical ways in which business leaders can drive business improvement, even in a time of economic uncertainty.
John Lees making a point
ACPET Chair, Kay Ganley returned to the podium to conclude the conference by reflecting on theme of ‘Diversity through Quality’ and the insights, observations and challenges that conference presenters had set out.
ACPET again supported the Queensland ‘Variety Bash’ by sponsoring a car in the run. ‘Daisy’ successfully finished her run a few weeks ago from Southport to Port Douglas and was on display in the foyer of the Crown Conference Centre during the conference. Thanks to the ACPET Queensland staff and members for their support of this charity initiative.
One of the Daisy sponsors, Terry O’Hanlon-Rose (the Australian Trade College) with Michael Hall (ACPET Qld Exec Officer)
(l-r) Neil Appo (Charlton Brown), The Hon Linda Burney MP (NSW), Brett Dale (Motor Trades Association - Daisy Sponsor), Michael Hall (ACPET Qld) and Terry O’Hanlon-Rose (the Australian Trade College)