Mr WOOD - 2010-06-08
Can you confirm whether Charles Darwin University will take over higher education programs from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in 2011 or 2012?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. As members would be aware, and I believe the public would be aware, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education experienced very serious difficulties over the last 18 months, particularly in relation to their management. The Northern Territory and Australian governments have been working together to support the Batchelor Institute. I am sure we all agree, it is a very important educational institution for the Territory; it is unique in Australia.
I can advise the House that Batchelor Institute will continue as an autonomous body. It will continue to deliver tertiary education as well as VET courses. What is happening with the announcement that has been made by the federal minister is there will be a cooperative and collaborative relationship between Batchelor and CDU, particularly around financial management, management generally, and also quality assurance in their courses. Both levels of government have been working very closely with the Batchelor Institute. Earlier this year, I met with the new director, Adrian Mitchell, and discussed some of these matters with him. I believe he will be a breath of fresh air at Batchelor Institute. I commend the work at Batchelor.
I can give you the assurance, member for Nelson, that Batchelor Institute will continue as an autonomous entity, but there will be a collaborative relationship with CDU, which I believe makes a lot of sense.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. As members would be aware, and I believe the public would be aware, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education experienced very serious difficulties over the last 18 months, particularly in relation to their management. The Northern Territory and Australian governments have been working together to support the Batchelor Institute. I am sure we all agree, it is a very important educational institution for the Territory; it is unique in Australia.
I can advise the House that Batchelor Institute will continue as an autonomous body. It will continue to deliver tertiary education as well as VET courses. What is happening with the announcement that has been made by the federal minister is there will be a cooperative and collaborative relationship between Batchelor and CDU, particularly around financial management, management generally, and also quality assurance in their courses. Both levels of government have been working very closely with the Batchelor Institute. Earlier this year, I met with the new director, Adrian Mitchell, and discussed some of these matters with him. I believe he will be a breath of fresh air at Batchelor Institute. I commend the work at Batchelor.
I can give you the assurance, member for Nelson, that Batchelor Institute will continue as an autonomous entity, but there will be a collaborative relationship with CDU, which I believe makes a lot of sense.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016