Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 12 September, Senator Rhiannon asked me a question about vocational education and training. I seek leave to incorporate the answer in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The answer read as follows—

Thursday 15 September 2011

Response to Question from Senator Rhiannon—Taken on notice Monday 12 September

Response

- strong sector support for the Scheme, particularly as it contributes to improved equity and accessibility for VET students;

- concerns about the applicability of the 'one size fits all' Higher Education Loan Program model in the VET sector and the related administrative complexity;

- inequity and relevance of the credit transfer requirement which are restricting provider access and the 20 per cent student loan fee in VET; and

- the need for a more integrated implementation approach to VET reform by all governments, including the extension of the Scheme nationally to support such reforms.

CHRIS EVANS

14 September 2011

Attachment A

Terms of Reference for the Post Implementation Review of the VET FEE-HELP Assistance Scheme

To support DEEWR to undertake a critical analysis of one of its programs, undertake a post-implementation review of the VET FEE-HELP Assistance Scheme including delivery a high quality report.

The review work includes development of a project plan, information gathering, research, quantitative and qualitative assessment and analysis, consultation with stakeholders and regular reports to the DEEWR.

The review will culminate in a report which could serve to:

The post-implementation review of the VET FEE-HELP Assistance Scheme includes:

1. Review the Scheme's performance as a whole against what it set out to achieve at its introduction in 2008.

2. Conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Scheme's performance including its impact on:

3. Recommendations for improvements to the Scheme including areas which may require further policy development, particularly in the context of the shift to the tertiary framework.