Educators from across Gippsland will meet in Traralgon this afternoon to share ideas leading to a submission into a federal inquiry into regional education.
Hosted by The Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie and Legislative Council Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, the forum at Federation Training’s Traralgon campus has attracted interest from across Gippsland.
Senator McKenzie chairs the Australian Government’s Education Policy Committee whilst Ms Bath is the (state) Shadow Assistant Minister for Education.
The forum has been organised to collect ideas and information to be incorporated into a submission to the Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education (IRRRRE), being chaired by Emeritus Professor John Halsey of Flinders University.
“This review is a welcome and significant opportunity to focus on the challenges facing education in regional Australia,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The forum will consider the key ideas, challenges and barriers that impact on the learning outcomes of regional, rural and remote students.”
“It’s great to be in Gippsland today, and there are further forums taking place in other parts of the state next week.”
Ms Bath – a Gippsland secondary teacher prior to moving to State Parliament – is pleased with the response from across the region.
“We have a range of experienced people attending, including principals from government and independent schools, representatives from the training sector, and people involved with career counselling,” Ms Bath said.
“This independent review of the education sector focussing on regional Australia provides a great opportunity to put education in country areas under the microscope.”
“The review is also considering what gaps and opportunities there might be – and how to address these – to better help students transition from school to higher education, training and employment.”
