1.

This Council seeks to sustain and enhance high-quality, nationally-recognised training products and services for the agri-food industry. The council represents the broad interests of all agri-food industry sectors through its Board and industry standing committees. They include rural and related industries, food processing (including wine and pharmaceuticals), meat industry, seafood, and racing.

2.

This page provides key documents about the aims, objectives and desired outcomes of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework. Most recently, the 2008 Framework Business Plan was approved by the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) in mid-December 2007, and the 2008-2011 Framework Strategy was approved by NSOC on 10 August 2007. Earlier documents set out the directions, achievements and outcomes of the Framework in earlier strategies spanning 2000-2004 and 2005-2007.

3.

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework provides the vocational and technical education (VTE) system with e-learning skills, professional development opportunities, products, resources and support networks to meet today's increasingly technology-driven learning environment. The site houses the flexible learning projects and activities developed within the AFL Framework. It also acts as a repository for resources and products and provides access to services developed under the Framework.

4.

The group is an independent body representing some 11,500 companies Australia-wide. It is the largest industry body in the country, created to help Australian industry be more competitive domestically and internationally in the emerging global economy. A wide range of services and products provided by the organisation are described on the site. Media releases, news, and relevant links are also provided.

5.

The National Training Advisory (NTA) and Australian Local Government Training (ALGT) work closely together to provide advice and information on matters relating to vocational education and training for Local Government. The site includes a copy of the strategic plan, plus an overview of educative services provided, and details of courses offered.

6.

ANTA was a Commonwealth Statutory Authority responsible for the development of a national vocational education and training system in cooperation with States and Territory Governments, the Commonwealth Government and industry. On Friday 22nd October, the Prime Minister announced that, from 1 July 2005, the responsibilities and functions of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) would be transferred to the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). This site offers a central point of information on the transfer of ANTA business.

7.

The Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC) is the peak body for the Seafood industry. The Australian National Training Authority recognised ASIC as the National Seafood Industry Training Advisory Body in July 1997. The ITAB operates under the name 'Seafood Training Australia'. Seafood Training Australia's primary task is to manage the introduction of competency based training through the development of Training Packages for the Australian Seafood industry. It is the Industry Training Advisory Body for this industry.

8.

This briefing has been written to assist senators and members of the 42nd parliament so they are more aware of the recent issues confronting vocational education and training (VET) in Australia. These challenges are: labour force and skills shortages; VET funding (public and private sources); and student supported loans.

9.

The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) is the national representative body of career practitioner organisations. CICA will work to: consult and collaborate with relevant stakeholders; enhance collegiality within the career industry to achieve agreed goals; facilitate strategic liaisons with stakeholders and policy markers; develop community awareness of the concept, benefit and value of career development; promote professional standards and practice within the career industry; and enhance relationships within the international career development community.

10.

This Industry Skills Council represents the community services and health industries. The Council works in partnership with industry bodies in all states and territories to promote workplace learning and participation in training. The Council's website contains information for employers, employees, students and apprentices and trainees, about careers, qualifications and training packages.