_{13 August 2008}

Jeanette Allen, CEO of Service Skills Australia presented to a forum in Brisbane 5 key issues facing the service industry and the VET system to ensure the success of the industry-driven system into the future.

These are:

1) Industry leadership of the VET system is critical and must be expanded, not undermined. This includes issues around the demand-driven system and an industry voice on training package implementation. Consultation on the future of the system must provide appropriate mechanisms and timelines for industry involvement, commensurate with the potential impact of the outcomes of consultation on industry.

2) Industry training packages must remain as the national currency for skills.

3) There is an urgent need to ensure greater national consistency and responsiveness across all areas of VET, including administrative arrangements and training package implementation.

4) The system needs to take real action to improve the consistency and quality of VET provision, reinforcing the need for competence.

5) Adequate funding allocation must be made for skills development in the service industries, taking into account their economic and social importance.