About Employment, Education and Training Act 1988

The state of education is ever-evolving as new legislation replaces the old. This is true in countries like Australia as well as the US; Australia’s Employment, Education and Training Act of 1988 is a prime example of the ever-changing legislation about education, training and employment.

History

Prior to 1987, various councils and government bodies concerning education had overlapping functions and duties. These separate government entities were at times “stepping on the toes” of other government bodies, or putting separate resources towards the same goal. The Employment, Education and Training Act of 1988 sought to define separate functions for each of the councils that were created by the act. Each council would report to the newly formed National Board of Employment, Education and Training.

 Councils Created by the Act

The act created many Councils that were to each fulfill a function in relation to education efforts in Australia. 

• The Schools Council was responsible for the oversight of primary and secondary schools in terms of curriculum, buildings, staff, equipment and funding.


• The Higher Education Council oversaw the needs and development of higher education institutions.


• The Employment and Skills Formation Council was in charge of colleges and technical schools that would be teaching students direct skills for technical employment.


• The Australian Research Council was responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining research programs.

New Legislation

Beginning in 1995, new legislation began to change the laws governing the formation of the Board and various councils.

• The Australian Language and Literacy Committee was elevated to the rank of Council, and the Australian International Education Foundation Council was deregulated to a committee in 1995.


• In 1996, the Higher Education Election Policy sought to disband the Board, but elevate the Higher Education Council and the Research Council to independent government agencies.


• The act was fully repealed in 2001.