As we move into March, I am acutely aware of our members’ need for ongoing financial support. As outlined in the advocacy section of this newsletter, English Australia will continue to do its utmost to secure the support that we all need.
English Australia Board holds its first meeting for the year
The Board of English Australia met this week ‘virtually’. The Board had a full agenda, focussing in on the significant advocacy work being undertaken and urging the continuation of English Australia’s leading role in this space. Detailed consideration was also given to the current risk environment and its significant impact on members. The Board discussed key strategic projects, noting the success of the Quarterly ELICOS Market Survey in the past 12 months. The Board welcomed the strong relationship that English Australia holds with the sector’s regulators as evidenced by the renewal of the MoU with TEQSA.
The Summary minutes are available for members here.
Upcoming Branch meetings
Next week, our branch meetings kick off with South Australia on the 2nd of March. Many of these meetings will have both a face-to-face and virtual option, and I would like to assure you that we will closely follow the Department of Health’s guidance on maintaining a Covid-safe environment.
I am looking forward to attending the Queensland and New South Wales meetings on this occasion and catching up with other members virtually. With such a long hiatus from face-to-face meetings, I am particularly looking forward to catching up and will update you on the work of English Australia. The information for each meeting is in this month’s newsletter.
Regulator update
I have met with senior representatives from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE), TEQSA and ASQA over recent weeks. The discussion with DESE focused on the development of the new international education national strategy, which will be undertaken this year.
The discussions with ASQA and TEQSA centred around the challenges faced by members and the need for continued support from the regulators, similar to the approach taken last year. Both agencies understand the need to continue the current flexible arrangements, which was reassuring to hear. We will continue to update members on any developments in regulations.
Future of ELICOS consultation
It seems timely that this year will see a refresh of Australia’s National Strategy for International Education, the rollout of the English Language Teaching Sector Strategy and the 10-year anniversary of the ELICOS Standards with its sunset clause triggering a review of its appropriateness.
To ensure our sector’s position is clear and strongly represented, English Australia is conducting a ‘Future of the ELICOS sector’ consultation process over the coming months. A key part of these strategic items involves consulting with you, our members, and the sector. English Australia will lead the consultations with support from DESE, ASQA and TEQSA.
At the upcoming English Australia Branch meetings, we would like to begin the Consultation process with some broad discussion around what our members see as the future of ELICOS. We will soon distribute key areas for consideration as part of these discussions and ask that members come prepared to our branch meetings with these in mind.
Please keep an eye out for further information on this important process next week.
Welcoming our new Special Interest Groups
Providing opportunities to meet and discuss critical aspects of English language teaching is vital to a successful sector, even more so when facing significant challenges. I am pleased that we’ve been able to launch two Special Interest Groups (SIGs) this year, focusing on Action Research and Post-entry English and Academic Language (PEAL). I’d particularly like to congratulate the new convenors and deputy convenors and wish them every success in their roles. If either of these fields engage you, I suggest joining the relevant SIG as they are a great way to draw on support when needed.
Government liaison and representation
In early March I will represent members’ interests at meetings with DESE through the International Education Stakeholders Forum and DHA via the Education Visa Consultative Committee (EVCC) meeting. I will also present to TPS staff as part of an update on the ELICOS sector.
These forums provide a fantastic opportunity to raise issues that members may be experiencing. I am always available to hear any member issues that you may be facing and more than happy to bring these to the relevant forum. Please get in touch with me if you would like to discuss anything.
