59192 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education

59192 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education: What actions, if any, is the Minister taking to support the Tertiary Education Strategy’s goal of improving feedback loops with employers and industry within the vocational sector?

Hon Penny Simmonds: The newly established Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) are industry-led and will give industry a strong voice in shaping vocational education from 1 January 2026. The ISBs are also required to give effect to the Tertiary Education Strategy. ISBs will set the vocational standards for their industries, provide quality assurance of vocational programmes to ensure they meet industry needs, undertake strategic workforce analysis, and provide investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). There are provisions in the ISB establishment orders that require them to develop and implement an engagement model for their specified industries, to engage with industry associations and peak bodies, and to establish employer and or employee advisory committees if necessary to ensure collective representation of their industries. Industry engagement and consultation have been key in designing a vocational education and training sector that is responsive to employer and industry needs. The TEC will issue investment guidance outlining how it will give effect to the priorities of the Tertiary Education Strategy, including strengthening integration and collaboration.