DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION

Statutory bodies

Schools Registration Board

The Schools Registration Board was established in 1995. Its primary function is to ensure that non-government schools comply with the standards for education determined by the Minister. The legislative basis for registration is contained in section 51 of the Education Act 1994.

Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA)

The authority advises the Minister on matters relating to qualifications in Tasmania. It accredits courses for senior secondary, higher education and vocational education and training and registers providers of higher education and vocational education and training. It determines assessment for obtaining a qualification in an accredited course, and collects, records and distributes student information relating to senior secondary education, vocational education and training and higher education. The TQA was established under the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority Act 2003.

University of Tasmania Council

Established under the University of Tasmania Act 1992, the University Council appoints the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, who is the chief academic and executive officer of the University. The council also appoints the deans and the heads of school, on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor. An Academic Senate advises the council on all academic matters relating to the University.

Tasmanian Library Advisory Board

The functions of the board are to consider and report on matters referred to it by the secretary of the department and to advise the Minister on any issues relating to library services. It must also report to the secretary of the department at the end of each financial year. The board was established under section 11 of the Libraries Act 1984.

Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts Management Committee

The function of this committee is to administer the funds and property of the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts and of the Allport Bequest, and to give effect to the provisions and general purpose of the will of Henry Allport. The committee was established under section 19 of the Libraries Act 1984.

Teachers Registration Board

The Teachers Registration Board is empowered under the Teachers Registration Act 2000 to administer the teacher registration system to ensure that only those people who meet agreed standards and legislative requirements will be able to teach in Tasmania.

State Library and Archives Trust

This trust administers property acquired by gift, bequest, or device, and ensures that all applicable conditions are met. It was established under section 16 of the Libraries Act 1984.

Tasmanian Building and Construction Industry Training Board

The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1990 provides for the board to be principal advisor to the Minister on all matters relating to training in the building and construction industry, particularly in relation to skill requirements and training arrangements for the industry. The board maintains and administers the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund. The board was established under section 4 of the Act.

Tasmanian Learning and Skills Authority (TLSA)

The authority was established under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1994 on 1 January 2005 as the principal advisor to the Minister on matters relating to post-Year 10 education and training, which includes adult and community education, vocational education and training, senior secondary education and the higher education sector. TLSA monitors the provision, performance and outcomes of post-Year 10 education and training and oversees the implementation of national policy agreements. The authority subsumed the training advisory functions of the Tasmanian State Training Authority.

Tasmanian Training Agreements Committee (TTAC)

The committee administers training agreements made between employers and trainees in declared trades or vocational pathways. It may conciliate or arbitrate disputes arising from the terms, conditions and operations of training agreements. Legislated functions and powers of TTAC are contained in section 15 (1) of the Vocational Education and Training Act 1994.

Minister’s Child Care Advisory Council

The Child Care Advisory Council advises and assists the Minister in the exercise of powers and the performance of functions under and in respect of the Child Care Act 2001. Established under section 73 of the Act, the council provides advice directly to the Minister on matters relating to child care, including policy, concerns and issues, community awareness and the status of the industry.

Tasmanian State Training Authority (TASTA)

Established under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1994, TASTA was the principal body advising the Minister on matters relating to training. On 1 January 2005 responsibility for the relevant functions of this board was assumed by the TLSA.

Non-statutory authorities

DoE VET Equity Advisory Committee

The role of the committee is to assist in advising the Minister on issues relating to the participation of people from equity groups in vocational education and training. Equity groups are identified as women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, people living in rural and remote areas, people with low literacy and numeracy skills, and people from a non-English speaking background. Emerging equity groups are identified as offenders and ex-offenders, youth at risk, and the long-term unemployed.

Learning Together Council

The Learning Together Council was established through the Tasmanian government’s strategy document, Learning Together - A Vision for Education, Training and Information into the 21st Century (2000) to monitor and report on the implementation of the initiatives detailed in Learning Together.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (TAEA)

TAEA is an incorporated community organisation specialising in education. Its purpose is to represent to state and Australian governments and private education providers the views of Tasmanian Aboriginal communities on education. TAEA is committed to the principle of Aboriginal self-determination. The association receives state and Australian government funding.

Tasmanian Communities Online (TCO) Advisory Board

The board was established by the Minister to assist in formulating future strategic directions and policy for the TCO network and to provide advice on Online Access Centre (OAC) service delivery. The 11-member board has representatives from OAC committees, the general community, local government, the department and the post-compulsory education and training sector.

Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council (THEAC)

The council assists in the management and support of home education in Tasmania. The role of the council is also to provide advice and information to the Minister about home education. It is responsible for monitoring individual home education programs and provides a reference point for enquiries, responds to community concerns and maintains liaison with other agencies about home education.

Tasmanian Learning and Skills Authority Industry Advisory Group (TIAG)

TIAG is the independent, strategic body responsible for ensuring the provision of high quality, relevant, industry-based information and advice to government to support decisions on education and training. TIAG advises the Tasmanian Learning and Skills Authority on strategic issues, manages a program of contracted advice and analysis from industry on skills and training issues, oversees the work of the industry liaison officers and convenes industry forums. It is chaired by the chair of the TLSA and its membership consists of active industry stakeholders, including the heads of both Unions Tasmania and the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tasmanian Youth Consultative Committee (TYCC)

The TYCC was established in 1998 to represent the views of young people, identify youth issues and provide advice to government. Funded by the Office of Youth Affairs, the committee consists of 15 young Tasmanians from a variety of backgrounds.