ALA

Premier

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Legislation to formally establish Tasmania Tomorrow was tabled in Parliament today.

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said the bills would create the Tasmanian Academy, Tasmanian Polytechnic and Skill Connections and allow for the transfer of staff to these organisations.

“The Education and Training (Tasmanian Skills Institute) Bill, Education and Training (Tasmanian Polytechnic) Bill and, the Education and Training (Tasmanian Academy) Bill will establish the statutory authorities, each governed by a board of seven directors and administered by a chief executive officer,” Mr Bartlett said.

“The Education and Training (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments) Bill will amend the Education Act to allow the Tasmanian Academy and Tasmanian polytechnic to establish their own governance structures and manage the needs of their students.

“These amendments won’t affect the operation of the remaining colleges which can continue to operate as schools until they make the transition to the new structures.

“The Education and Training (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Bill will formally abolish TAFE Tasmania and allow for the transfer of TAFE and college employees to the new statutory authorities.

The Education and Training (Further Consequential Amendments) Bill will amend acts affected by the organisational changes to accommodate the three new organisations.

“Tasmania Tomorrow will transform post-year 10 education in Tasmania so that our young people have more options and a better pathway to the careers they want.

“It will also improve productivity by ensuring that Tasmanian workers have the skills that businesses need.

“This legislation is an important step in progressing these changes,” Mr Bartlett said.