Education

Assessments in the field of education

Gender equity in higher education

The Society has published a report entitled "Gender Equity - Higher Education Students", dated September 1994. A copy is available from the PPAS secretariat (polsoc@mpx.com.au).

Abstract: In February 1990 the Commonwealth released a paper entitled "A Fair Chance for All", which designated certain groups among higher education students as disadvantaged. Although women predominated at most Australian universities, women were regarded as such a group, and the paper stipulated that they should receive special attention. Possibly because government funding was linked to acceptance of the position outlined in the paper, most universities accepted it without apparent resistance. A few insisted on making their own assessments of what was appropriate on equity grounds. The Society collected information on universities' programs for gender equity among students. Universities were assigned scores for gender equity, and a merit list was drawn up showing their performance.

Resource allocation in higher education

In August 1994 the Higher Education Council (GPO Box 9880 Canberra ACT 2601) and the Department of Employment Education and Training published a paper entitled "Resource Allocation in Higher Education" as part of their public consultation process on this subject. The Society made a submission to the Council dated September 1994.

Civics education

In 1994 the Prime Minister established the Civics Expert Group to provide the Government with a strategic plan for a non-partisan program of public education and information on the Australian system of government, the Australian Constitution, Australian citizenship and other civics issues. The Group was required to consult with relevant organisations. The Society made a submission to the Civics Expert Group dated July 1994.

Voluntary school fees

In April 1995 the ACT Legislative Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (GPO Box 1020, Canberra ACT 2601) announced its Inquiry into Voluntary School Fee Contributions. The Society made a submission dated April 1995.

New schools policy

In June 1995 the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education and Training (GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601) announced a review of the New Schools Policy, and released a discussion paper. The Society made a submission dated August 1995.

Youth allowance

In September 1996 the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (GPO Box 9880, Canberra ACT 2601) released a community discussion paper relating to a proposed youth allowance for young Australians. The Society made a submission dated October 1996.

Gender equity in secondary education

The Society has published a report entitled "Gender equity - secondary education in the ACT", dated December 1997.