The national plan to reduce violence against women and their children 2010 – 2022

Released in 2011, this 12-year national plan was an COAG initiative supported by Commonwealth, state and territory governments working with the community and includeds the first three-year action plan. Over 12 years the National Plan aims to achieve: A significant and sustained reduction in violence against women and their children. The National Plan focuses on the two main types of violent crimes that have a major impact on women in Australia–domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Research shows there is a strong link between violence against women and their children and how people view the roles of women and men. The National Plan focuses on stopping violence before it happens in the first place, supporting women who have experienced violence, stopping men from committing violence, and building the evidence base so that we learn more about ‘what works’ in reducing domestic and family violence and sexual assault. These changes take time, which is why we need a long-term plan. Each of the four Action Plans build on each other over 12 years, and are designed so that we can look back at what has been achieved and refocus on what actions will make the most difference in the future

School education: a quick guide to key internet links

This guide provides links to information about the policy and administrative framework for school education, individual school information, school funding information, statistics including student achievement statistics, indigenous education, Australian organisations, international organisations and education departments and state and territory government websites. Note: administrative arrangements announced on 18 September 2013 have altered departmental responsibility for school education. Therefore, links to Australian Government websites listed below may change as new arrangements take effect

Who pays for youth disengagement and unemployment? A case for smarter thinking and for investment

Background: In March 2015 a Working Group was established by Andrew Neophytou (CEO, Inner Eastern Local Learning & Employment Network) on behalf of the Inner Metro Youth and Community Partnership (IMCYP). This Working Group was formed to discuss and consider actions around youth transitions and pathways, as a response to worrying levels of youth disengagement and unemployment, whether viewed from a regional, state or national perspective. Part of the impetus behind the Group’s formation was concern for the wellbeing of young people (largely but not exclusively those aged 15 and over) who were at risk of disengaging from education, or were already disengaged. Like the IMYCP, e2e has these aims: Advocacy and strategic input and advice to government about children and young people, and the organisations that support them Sharing information and research around transitions and pathways Building relationships with key stakeholders to develop a cross-sectoral response to address issues relating to transitions and pathways Identifying potential pathways and referral options for young people that are most at risk Providing best-practice examples / models for work and professional development. A dozen stakeholder organisations / bodies have embraced these aims, and form the nucleus of the e2e Working Group: Representatives from the following stakeholders form the nucleus of e2e: Ardoch Youth Foundation Capital City LLEN City of Stonnington – Youth Services Education Engagement Partnership (EEP) Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC) Melbourne City Mission (MCM) / SKYS Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran Community Learning Centre (PCLC) SouthPort Uniting Care (SPUC) Taskforce Community Agency Victoria Police As a first step, this Working Group agreed to develop a Discussion Paper. This Paper, completed in late July 2015, provides key reflections arising out of discussions the network members have had, and the reading we’ve done.  This discussion paper is intended for a broad readership.  It includes some introductory pages (eg background; a note about terms and definitions used; statistics; and five principles for smarter thinking and investment).  The bulk of the paper covers eleven themes, each followed by a number of recommendations (averaging about six per section), which are aimed for a range of stakeholders, including government departments, peak bodies, and NFP organisations.   The eleven themes are: policy; consultation; funding / youth specific programs; workforce strategy – including professional learning; partnerships – including with industry; education disengagement; VCAL & VET; disabilities; “middle years”; abuse and trauma; and diversion.&nbsp

The effects of COAG's national reform agenda on central agencies

This report examines the effect on Commonwealth and State central agencies of the reform agenda adopted by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), with a particular focus on the reforms proposed and undertaken since the federal election in November 2007. Collectively, these reforms could constitute the most significant changes to Australian federalism in a generation. This study considers the responses of central agencies to this COAG Reform Agenda. How are the Commonwealth and State central agencies responding, and what challenges do they face

From Silos to Seamlessness: Towards a Cross-sectoral Funding Model for Post-compulsory Education and Training

educational finance, postcompulsory education, vocational education, higher education, adult education, recurrent education

Representation of women in Australian parliaments 2014

This updated paper draws on recent data and research to discuss trends and issues relating to women in Australian parliaments within an international context. It includes data on women in leadership and ministry positions, on committees and as candidates in Commonwealth elections. Executive summary Across Australia women continue to be significantly under-represented in parliament and executive government, comprising less than one-third of all parliamentarians and one-fifth of all ministers. Internationally, Australia’s ranking for women in national government continues to decline when compared with other countries. The representation of women in Australia’s parliaments hovers around the ‘critical mass’ of 30 per cent regarded by the United Nations as the minimum level necessary for women to influence decision-making in parliament. There is no consensus amongst researchers in the field as to why women continue to be under-represented in Australia’s system of parliamentary democracy, although a number of factors contribute to the gender imbalance. This paper includes discussion of some of the structural, social and cultural factors influencing women’s representation including the type of electoral system, the culture of political parties, and the nature of politics and the parliamentary environment in Australia. This updated paper draws on recent data and research to discuss trends and issues relating to women in Australian parliaments within an international context. It includes data on women in leadership and ministry positions, on committees and as candidates in Commonwealth elections. Whilst the focus is on the Commonwealth Parliament, the paper includes comparative information about women in state and territory parliaments.  The issue of gender diversity is also discussed within the broader context of women in leadership and executive decision-making roles in Australia including local government, government boards and in the corporate sector