ITECA Releases Its Student-Centric Blueprint For The Next Australian Parliament

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has unveiled a policy reform agenda aimed at putting students at the forefront of skills training and higher education in the lead-up to the next federal election. The blueprint, described as student-centric, challenges the current institution-focused policies, which ITECA argues are failing students, businesses, taxpayers, and the nation.

Key Points:

• Call for Reform: ITECA criticizes the current government’s preference for public institutions like TAFE colleges and universities, which they believe creates significant barriers to accessing quality tertiary education. They argue that this approach disproportionately affects students who choose independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) or higher education institutions, leaving them without sufficient government support.

• Student-Centric Focus: The manifesto emphasizes the need for reforms that prioritize students’ needs and choices, advocating for a system that allows students to select the provider—whether independent or public—that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.

• Equity and Access: ITECA’s blueprint calls for eliminating discrimination against students who choose independent RTOs or higher education providers. The organization believes that government policies should ensure a fair and equitable playing field for all tertiary education providers, supporting students’ informed decisions.

• Advocacy and Vision: ITECA’s approach is driven by its members, who are committed to advocating for a tertiary education system that better supports students and creates a more balanced and fair educational landscape. ITECA’s election manifesto is part of their broader vision for a student-focused tertiary education system in Australia. For more details on the manifesto and ITECA’s policy recommendations, you can visit their website at www.iteca.edu.au/ manifesto.

Troy Williams