Legislation that formally establishes the National Skills Commissioner, currently before the Australian
Parliament, as a statutory position is welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia
(ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational education.
training and skills secto rs.
“Last week the Prime Minister signalled a major shift as to how the Australian Government funds its
annual investment in vocational education and training. The National Skills Commissioner will be vital to
ensure that this investment is matched to cur rent and future skills shortages,” said Mr Troy Williams.
ITECA Chief Executive.
According to ITECA, existing funding models which sees the Australian Government give around $1.5
billion annual ly to the states and territories to fund vocational education and training are broken.
“The Australian Government hands -over billions of dollars every decade to the states and territories that
apply these funds in different ways. There is a curious logic as to how the states use th ese funds.
highlighted by the fact that s ubsidies for a Diploma of Nursing in 2017 varied between $8,218 in
Queensland and $19,963 in Western Australia and,” Mr Williams said.
The work of the National Skills Commissioner will be pivotal to the work of indepen dent Registered
Training Organisations (RTOs) that support more than 80% of the 4.1 million students in vocational
education and training programs across the country.
“The analysis by the National Skills Commission er will provide independent RTOs with clear guidance that
the Australian Government is making the right investment in skills at the right time. The Commissioner’s
guidance will provide certainty to independent RTOs as they plan for the future of their business,” Mr
Williams said.
The National Skills Commissioner Bill 2020 (Cth) is currently before the House of Representatives and yet
to be considered by the Senate. The Australian Government has appointed Mr Adam Boyton to the role
of interim National Skills Commissioner, an appointment expect ed to be made permanent following
passage of the legislation.
“ITECA has established an open working relationship with Mr Boyton, an individual who clearly possesses
the skills and expertise to undertake the immense challenge before him, Mr Williams conclu ded.
