[English] Teaching Australia

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Hi all,

Just in case colleagues aren't aware, Australia now has a new .edu group 
which refers to itself as, 'the national body for the teaching profession'.

Anyway, whom-ever, they've had their funding sliced while being reviewed:

  <http://www.teachingaustralia.edu.au>

"Teaching Australia – Australian Institute for Teaching and School 
Leadership Limited is a public company limited by guarantee subject to the 
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. It operates under its own 
constitution with decisions made by a board of directors drawn from the 
teaching profession.

Teaching Australia uniquely encompasses the professional practice of 
teaching and school leadership in all settings, sectors and jurisdictions.

Since its establishment as the national body for the teaching profession, 
Teaching Australia working with and through national professional teaching 
and principals’ associations, has made significant progress towards 
establishing a coherent national professional standards framework.

As Teaching Australia has now been in operation for three years a review 
is timely. In the context of the broader Education Revolution agenda, the 
Government has decided to undertake a review of Teaching Australia 
focussing on its role, governance and consultative arrangements.

The review will address governance, integration and policy alignment of 
the strategies and programs being pursued by the Institute. The 
appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of its outcomes 
will also be covered.  

Funding for Teaching Australia in the budget totals $18.8 million over the 
four years to 2011 12.  The Government has decided in the 2008-09 Budget 
to reduce the funding to Teaching Australia while the review is 
undertaken. Funding for Teaching Australia will be reduced by $2.6 million 
in the first year but will then increase over the forward estimates.

As a result of the review and funding reductions, Teaching Australia’s 
activities will initially be constrained.  During this initial period the 
Institute may need to draw on accrued cash reserves to maintain its 
ongoing operations and to maintain services to clients and stakeholders.."

<http://www.deewr.gov.au/deewr/Publications/Budget/2008-
09/PortfolioBudgetStatements2008-09.htm>
--

Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia