An independent evaluation of the National Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood Education is being undertaken in 2010-2014 to assess its effectiveness in achieving universal access outcomes. This evaluation annual report shows progress to 31 December 2009 and includes a literature review, evaluation framework and an exploration of challenges, including data. It should be noted that...

Now in its eighth year, Saver Plus has supported nearly 12,000 people to save over $6 million towards costs relating to participants’ vocational training or their children’s schooling. Research by RMIT, ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence shows that 87 per cent of Saver Plus participants continue to save at the same rate or...

This final report is from a three-year research program that examined the dynamics of workforce development and explored the challenges in maintaining viable labour flows in the child care and meat processing industries. The paper highlights the lack of receptiveness for workers in the meat processing and childcare sectors to train beyond mandatory levels due...

This publication provides information about child care across Australia for the December quarter 2010. The data in the report are sourced primarily from the Department’s administrative system, the Child Care Management System. Key findings In the December quarter 2010 there were 911,990 Australian children in approved child care, up 4 per cent on the December...

Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) workforce has several shortcomings which need to be addressed, according to this report by the Productivity Commission. A diverse range of public and private VET providers meets many of the expectations of students and significant segments of industry. However, some industry sectors, such as aged care, disability care and...