in focus 30 august 2010
National Monday Update Issue:
The New ‘Age of Uncertainty’?
When John Kenneth Galbraith wrote in the late 1970s about the ‘Age of Uncertainty’ he was reflecting on what he identified as the weaknesses of market-based systems. In 2010 we need to ask if the current political, environmental and demographic changes affecting Australia herald a new age of uncertainty?
If they do, then last week’s ACPET national conference and the inaugural Asia Pacific International Education Forum serve to highlight that it is the private sector and not Galbraith’s ‘new socialism’ which will secure Australia’s future.
Leading social commentators presenting at ACPET’s national conference identified the innovation, diversity and responsiveness of the private tertiary sector as being influential in transforming the Australian economy and supporting individuals and communities in benefiting from and adapting to rapid and far-reaching change.
ACPET 2010 National Conference
The timing of the 2010 Federal election coming just one week before ACPET’s annual national conference, and the as yet unknown result of the election, provided a unique opportunity for delegates to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that the new political landscape is likely to offer to the private tertiary sector. Assisted by thought provoking political comment and insights on the election from journalists Peter van Onselen and Glenn Milne – delegates had the opportunity later in the conference to discuss with Jenny Muir from Primary Communication, Mary Dickie from Quay Connection, and then ACPET CEO, Andrew Smith; how the strengths of the private sector might be leveraged in the new political environment. ACPET is currently working on a number of position papers on critical domestic policy issues to assist our advocacy efforts as we work for greater certainty in both the higher education and VET policy environments. Input from members will be sought prior to finalisation and further details will be made available in the weeks ahead.
Sam Mostyn, Director, Sydney University’s Institute of Sustainable Solutions challenged conference delegates with an overview of the environmental and sustainability trends affecting the globe and particularly Australia’s trading partners such as China. Mostyn emphasised the critical importance of private tertiary providers, and most notably their flexibility and innovation in helping Australian businesses adapt to the new economic opportunities and jobs required to deliver a more sustainable and economically successful future for Australia.
Bernard Salt, Partner, KPMG and leading demographer highlighted the growing opportunities for educational provision to both young people in their 20s and those older Australians in the post-retirements years. These opportunities stem from the demographic changes affecting Australian society and led Salt to argue persuasively for the need for a higher level of net migration than has been evident in recent political discourse.
And current Federal Minister for Education, Simon Crean, reflected on the status of the international education sector. While not all delegates might have agreed with the optimistic picture the Minister painted of the short-term future for on-shore provision to international students; there is no doubt that his time as Trade Minister has helped Minister Crean to identify a number of very real and substantial off-shore opportunities for Australia’s education and training providers. Both I and other delegates were pleased to have the opportunity to engage with the Minister and welcomed his participation at the conference, particularly given the current political context.
ACPET Asia-Pacific International Education Forum
Following twelve months or more of difficult times for many Australian private training providers involved in international education, ACPET’s Asia Pacific International Education Forum offered a ground breaking opportunity for those involved in private international education from across the Asia-Pacific region to come together and establish a new international dialogue, promoting the development of collaborative relationships and durable regional solutions to the challenges of tertiary education.
Hosted by Richard Woolcott AC, the forum attracted more than 50 delegates from China, Viet Nam, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Russia, Korea, and Australia. In reflecting on the success of the forum, Mr Woolcott described the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, and commended the private education and training sector for taking the lead in establishing the forum.
ACPET plans a range of new initiatives to assist its members in establishing and expanding current models of high quality off shore educational delivery. Further details will be released with the publication of ACPET’s International Strategic Engagement Plan.
More information on the forum is available in this week’s edition of National Monday Update and at: http://www.intedapac.acpet.edu.au/
To read a transcript of an interview by the ABC’s PM program with Richard Woolcott and Andrew Smith (ACPET’s former CEO) and their reflections on the forum go to: http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2995777.htm
Finally, I would like to add my thanks and appreciation to new ACPET life members, Julie Moss and David Windridge for their outstanding service to ACPET and the private tertiary sector over many years. I would also like to thank Andrew Smith, our outgoing CEO, for his tireless commitment in leading and strengthening ACPET in recent years. And lastly thank you to all of the ACPET staff and members who assisted with this year’s annual conference (our most successful ever) and the Asia-Pacific International Education Forum.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (Claire [dot] Field [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (click to email )Claire [dot] Field [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (Claire Field)) to discuss any of the above or to provide your ideas and input into the ongoing development of the Council.