The Federal Government's drive towards a 'whole tertiary sector' has given new prominence to multi-sector institutions and polytechnics. What does this mean for tertiary education? What kinds of institutional models and policy are needed? What are the governance, regulatory, quality assurance, funding and policy challenges?

On 1 July 2011 legislation was passed to establish the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to regulate TAFE & private education providers through a ministerial committee of commonwealth and state.

The new National Workforce Development Fund will forge partnerships between governments, employers and RTOs that is far more likely to result in effective training to meet the changing skill needs for the Australian economy.

With more students enrolling in the Vocational Education & Training (VET) system, TAFE network & private education colleges over the past 2 years there is a strong need to ensure quality in delivery of all programmes.

This one day Tertiary Education Congress will cover strategic areas such as:

Government's policy towards TAFE Institutes
Merging of TAFE institutions with Universities
Underpinning the new arrangements of ASQA
Issues associated with TEQSA and ASQA
Meeting the rigours of a competitive training market
Eligibility criteria for private educators
Developing career pathways

And bring together delegates from the Government, State, TAFE Institutes, private education field and those involved tertiary education services.