Review shows training contestability has driven greater accessibility and choice

Students have been the winners from contestability in the Australian training sector, with greater provider-course options, according to the Federal Government’s highly anticipated review.

The Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) has this week welcomed the findings of the independent review of the National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform, conducted by ACIL Allen Consulting and released by Commonwealth and State and Territory Skills Ministers.

Commenting on the findings, ACPET Chief Executive Rod Camm stated “this independent review outlines that contestability has provided increased students choice.

“Program completions are also well ahead of targeted timeframes. This highlights the real benefits of harnessing the diversity and capacity of private providers.

“While there has been a decline in the TAFE share of publicly funded training this does not mean measures are required to protect TAFE. Rather, as the review recommends, the role of TAFE needs to be clearly articulated.”

Camm also welcomed the review recommendation that there is a need for a clear roadmap to guide the VET sector, adding “a number of quality and other issues identified in the review can be sheeted home to some of the uncertainty about the priorities for the sector and confusion about the responsibilities of state and Federal Government agencies.

“This report really confirms that there needs to be much greater clarity over the role of federal and state and territory governments in regulating and purchasing training.

“With a little over one year until the current National Partnership Agreement expires, it is important that the responsibilities for the VET sector are clear.

“It also pleasing to see the review’s recommendation that there needs to be some certainty and stability in public funding for the sector. This will support providers to make the investments that will help drive the innovation and flexibility required to best meet the needs of industry and students.”

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