Our Task Forces

Education, Skills and Innovation Task Force

WORDS FROM THE TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN

On the task force’s impact: ‘It’s created a lot of energy, a lot of interest that we have been able to connect and hopefully positively influence the state and federal governments with our work on education.’

– HUTCH RANCK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DUPONT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND LIMITED AND CHAIRMAN, BCA EDUCATION,SKILLS AND INNOVATION TASK FORCE

Joining Hutch on the task force are the following individuals:

Michael Andrew KPMG
Gavin Bell Freehills
Paul Dougas, Sinclair Knight Merz
Tracey Fellows Microsoft Pty Ltd
Stephen Fitzgerald, Goldman Sachs JBWere
Matthew Quinn Stockland
Michael Rose Allens Arthur Robinson
Ian White Oracle Corporation Australia Pty Limited

Professor Geoff Masters, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council for Educational Research, is an Honorary Member of the task force, and the BCA Secretariat contact for the task force is Patrick Coleman, Director Policy.

Task force aims

School education

Our plan for effective learning by students emphasises the importance of quality teaching, leadership, more autonomy for school leaders, measuring learning outcomes and a national curriculum. The key outcomes we advocate are to lift Year 12 or equivalent completions rates while improving the knowledge and skills attained by students.

Vocational training and skills

We promote ongoing reform of the skills and workforce development system aimed at making sure that training is of a high quality and the skills learned are relevant to the current and emerging needs of business.

Higher education

In higher education, we emphasise the need for graduate quality through better teaching and learning, more relevant content, the development of future leaders and continuous improvement in educational institutions.

Innovation

Improving the innovation capabilities of Australia’s business organisations must be a key national priority. It requires a focus on improved outcomes from our education and training system, the development of highly effective leaders and managers, and continuing to engage and strengthen collaboration.

Highlights of the task force’s achievements for 2008–09 are contained in the BCA 2009 Annual Review, Many Connections. One Focus. Contact us to request a copy of the review.

BCA Email Updates

Subscribe to receive BCA news

Receive regular email updates from the BCA

Name

Email Address

Featured Publications

Our Members

Our membership is made up of the CEOs of 100 of Australia’s top companies, representing a range of industry sectors.

Education, Skills and Innovation

Australia needs to perform better in developing and applying the knowledge and skills of our people if we are to maintain economic growth and prosperity.

League Tables Will Improve the Education System

The one outcome from education reform that matters most is improvement in student learning. This means the learning of relevant knowledge and skills by students in all schools, writes Hutch Ranck.