Background Materials

	Post Trip Follow-Up COSN VIP Delegation to Australia, 2004: ICT in Education The CoSN VIP Delegation to Australia Understanding the Australian Education System: An Overview Addressing the Challenges Establishing a Supportive Public Policy Framework Innovative Examples, Models and Leaders A Vision for the Future Trip Background and Reports Agenda Trip Blog Delegation Members Background Materials Sponsor Background Information

$1 Billion Capital Funding Boost for Schools

The Australian Government has moved to further implement its election promise to provide an additional $1 billion for school building projects in Australian schools. State schools will receive $700 million as part of the programme to be administered by the Australian Government with grants being paid directly to school communities. This will provide more power and autonomy for school parent communities and school principals in determining the priorities for their schools.

Education and ICT Literacy in Australia

The first schools in Australia were set up by private individuals and Church organizations. From 1848 onwards a dual system of schools was established. Under this system church or denominational schools were supported by government funding while at the same time a system of government-controlled 'national' schools was created...

Papers & Presentations

Papers published and presented made by education.au staff at public forums on a wide range of subjects. Papers are listed by year.

Key U.S. Ally on Iraq Wins 4th Term in Australia

Prime Minister John Howard, one of the staunchest U.S. allies in the war in Iraq, defied predictions about a close race and won a convincing victory for a historic fourth term on Saturday despite widespread public disagreement in Australia with Howard's position on the war.

Washington Post, October 10, 2004

Ministerial Council for Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA) ICT in Schools Taskforce

The MCEETYA ICT in Schools Taskforce (ICTST), chaired by Dr Martyn Forrest, Secretary, Department of Education in Tasmania is responsible for providing strategic advice to all Australian Education Ministers on issues related to the use of information communication technologies.

The Taskforce draws members from all jurisdictions, New Zealand and the Catholic and Independent sectors. Huge forces are driving through industry and society to create the information economy and the knowledge society. The ICT in Schools Taskforce provides advice on innovation and emerging opportunities within this fast, multi-dimensional, complex and changing environment.

Australian Prime Minister Vows $1 Billion Will Go to Schools

Prime Minister John Howard has told Coalition party leaders that $1 billion has been found to provide support for both government and non-government schools. The money would be distributed over a four-year period with most of it being directed to "basic amenities" such as classrooms, libraries, and school grounds. Under Howard's plan, funding for government schools would not go through state governments (all of them Labor). Instead, the federal government would consult directly with parent bodies, advised by school principals.