There is an obvious and surprising missing piece from the recently announced Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) Ministerial Advisory Board. The Australia Government established Jobs and Skills Australia in 2022 to provide independent advice on current, emerging, and future workforce, skills, and training needs. Why then, is there no representation from the education and training sector on the Ministerial Advisory Board?
In his announcement, the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said that the Ministerial Advisory Board was a critical part of JSA’s governance structure, and that “the Board will provide independent, expert and strategic advice to myself… and to the JSA Commissioner in relation to JSA’s legislated functions and the development of annual work plans”.
There is no doubt that the appointees on the Ministerial Advisory Board have strong credentials, representing employer groups, state and territory governments, unions and employees. However, given that the Board is tasked with working with “unions, employers, state and territory governments, and education and training providers in providing the advice needed to improve skills development, employment opportunities and economic growth”, someone with insider knowledge of the education and training sector would have made a worthy addition to round out the Board.
One highlight is the inclusion of Ms Nyadol Nyuon OAM, who this correspondent has a fan-girl crush on (if you don’t know her then I’d encourage you to Google). Nyadol is currently a member of the Chisholm Institute of TAFE Board in Victoria, and there are other appointees who also have education industry connections. However, most readers will know that there is a vast difference between board membership and experience inside the sector.
The appointees are:
- Chair – Ms Cath Bowtell, a highly experienced board Chair and industry superannuation leader has been appointed for a three-year term and brings to the role an elite level of knowledge and qualifications that will be invaluable to leading this tripartite Board.
- Deputy Chairs – Ms Megan Lilly(Australian Industry Group, Centre for Education and Training Executive Director) and Mr Liam O’Brien (Australian Council of Trade Unions, Assistant Secretary) have been appointed for two-year terms. These positions have been taken from the Employer and Employee representative categories, to ensure the leadership of the Board maintains balance between key tripartite partners.
- State and Territory Representatives – Ms Lisa (Lill) Healy(Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions) and Ms Jodie Wallace (WA Department of Training and Workforce Development).
- Employer Organisation Representatives – Mr Luke Achterstraat (Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, CEO), Mr Bran Black(Business Council of Australia, CEO) and Ms Natalie Heazlewood (Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Director of Skills, Employment and Small Business).
- Employee Organisation Representatives – Ms Annie Butler(Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation, Federal Secretary), Mr Andrew Dettmer (Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, National President) and Ms Correna Haythorpe (Australian Education Union, Federal President).
- Professor Jack Beetson (Literacy for Life Foundation Executive Director)
- Professor Rae Cooper AO (Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, Sydney University)
- Ms El Gibbs (Disability Advocacy Network Australia)
- Ms Nyadol Nyuon OAM (Lawyer, Human Rights Advocate, TAFE Board Director)
