Education and Training
The most fundamental asset throughout the community, getting this portfolio ‘right’ is imperative if we are to move forward confidently further into this third millennium.
Restructuring this huge government department into a ‘flatter’ structure that effectively removes ‘management clogs’ and a huge waste of taxpayer funds is a key.
Middle managers who are working well in their positions will be elevated to the senior management team (to include the incumbent Minister). Each senior manager (with the exception of the Minister) will be directly responsible for a number of operational team members. They would report activity to each other in a two-way simplistic and meaningful manner with projected outcomes and associated time-lines for achieving them. Teachers, schools, parents, industry and communities in partnership can provide significant input and guidance into the processes.
This is only a suggestion. I will be guided through discussion and debate so that we get a positive mindset into this arena. Combining with the public Health industry is also an imperative factor – the links are obvious.
Education is one of the six areas of importance as detailed in the significant Territory 2030 Strategic Plan developed over the last two years as a blueprint for securing the NT’s future over the next 20 years. The Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) released recently to build better communities for children researched almost a quarter of a million 4-5 year olds across Australia. The findings assert that 38.5% of NT children (the highest across Australia) are developmentally vulnerable on one domain and 23.3% (more than double the national average) on two or more domains. The Smart Territory Strategic Plan 2009-2012 also asserts that quality education and training programs are essential to our Territory’s future. Being a part of this roll-out is an exciting adventure I’m keen to undertake.
Having worked in education systems both public and private in capacities of teacher and more recently that of school counsellor, it is a clear passion of mine that has evolved over the past 30 years. I have a real understanding of the needs of those ‘on the ground and at the coal-face’ who work so hard in collaboration with others to build stronger educational outcomes for their students.
Hi Phil
I was at Westmead/Nepean CAE with you although you probably don’t remember me. One educational issue I’d like to bring up is that of teacher registration. I have been teaching for 33 years and have my Diploma plus a Post-Grad Certificate yet am not allowed to teach in the NT. I believe that it is grossly unfair that teachers with a wealth of experience cannot have this considered when applying for registration. My partner and I will be in the NT in a few months doing evnironmental workshops and performances and I wanted to top up the income with casual teaching, particularly in remote areas yet this can’t happen due to ridiculous bureaucratic rules and regulations. Good luck in regard to your political career.
Hey Margaret,
How fantastic to ‘read’ you. Of course I remember you. We were (and probably still are) a very hardy bunch. It would be great to have a reunion sometime.
Why won’t the TRB give you registration? I can’t see an issue with it. I don’t have teacher registration as I come under the Psychologists Registration Board. The Education Minister is Dr. Chris Burns (chris.burns@nt.gov.au). He’s really quite a great man. Maybe he can help. If you can let me know the reasons why they are denying you, I’d be interested in following up on your behalf. Give me a call 0407 526 441 later in the week and we’ll talk it through.
When are you coming and where abouts will you be? There are heaps of casual teaching jobs going in regional areas as well as communities. Make sure you have accommodation arranged. Coming to Alice at all? Would be so lovely to catch up. Talk with you later today of after Wednesday. If my ‘phone is off, leave a message and I’ll get back to you.
Thanks for your good wishes around politics. It’s an exciting adventure.
Are you in support of the proposed nationwide education system or the individual state systems that we have now? What about Julia Gillards website that will track education?
Also, CDU is regarded as a joke by highschool students (both in the NT and around Australia). How would you try and change that? Or do you think we should have the other state provide the students with quality Tertiary education and we should focus on VET and TAFE?
National attempts to discover the ‘true value’ of the education system is impressive to some degree. The US-American and English attempts have failed thus far to achieve the desired outcomes.
Schools are just part of our life journey education.
I agree that the CDU offerings are regarded as ’second rate’ by many but we have an opportunity to build and grow what is on offer.
I believe that Education & Health are inextricably linked programs that requires a comprehensive approach. Healthy kids (and others) learn better and better educated people tend to make more positive life choices. I’ll seek to have both departments blended to make better and more efficient use of combined resources.
I continue to wonder why we need to duplicate these departments at a Territory level? With national health boards being regionalised as part of both major party platforms, there is little need for a separate ‘health department in each state or jurisdiction. Similarly with education. A national curriculum that will be rolled out regionally only requires regional administration. Let’s cut the amount of bureaucracy we have to live with and make the relevant boards more effective and efficient by being accountable at a local level.