Department Of Education And Training Australia
Department of Education and Training in Australia
The Department of Education and Training in Australia was a government department that operated from 2014 to 2019. It played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of Australia, overseeing several key educational sectors such as early childhood education, school education, higher education, vocational education and training, international education, and academic research.
Formation and Functions
The department was created by the amalgamation of various functions from other government departments, notably absorbing responsibilities from the previous Department of Education. It was formed to streamline educational governance and enhance the quality and accessibility of education for Australians. However, responsibilities related to child care were transferred to the Department of Social Services, while vocational training components were realigned from the Department of Industry to the new department.
The Department of Education and Training's mandate included:
- Early Childhood Education: Developing policies to support access to quality early childhood education.
- School Education: Implementing national policies to improve primary and secondary education.
- Higher Education: Facilitating access to higher education and managing funding for universities.
- Vocational Education and Training: Providing frameworks for vocational training and apprenticeships.
- International Education: Promoting Australian education in the international sphere and supporting international students.
- Academic Research: Fostering an environment conducive to innovation and research excellence.
Reorganization and Legacy
In 2019, following the re-election of Scott Morrison's Government, the department underwent a significant reorganization. Through an Administrative Arrangements Order on 29 May 2019, its functions were largely absorbed by the newly established Department of Education. Vocational education, training, and apprenticeships were transferred to the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business.