TAFE in Australia

Abstract

This chapter looks at the development and current rendition of TAFE across Australia. The development is divided into four historical periods. The first period is one where aspects of European Technical Education are introduced and established across the country. The second period is associated with a federal government inquiry into Technical and Further Education (TAFE) that culminates with the two volume report being tabled in the federal Parliament in 1974, (ACOTAFE 1974). This is often referred to as the Kangan Review after the Chairman of the committee. This review laid the foundation and in using the acronym saw the formal appearance of TAFE as a label for a sector of Australian education. This review defined the sector then allocated federal funding. The third period is associated with the National Training Reform Agenda which saw a national umbrella placed over the sector and the emphasis shift to that of providing vocational education and training aimed at achieving labour market and productivity outcomes. The fourth and current period in TAFE’s development is one of adherence to neoliberal agendas and earmarked in this chapter as an age of mutual responsibility. In this period the focus of TAFE has further sharpened around the use of taxpayers funds to provide vocational education and training that is designed to satisfy the needs of employers and current labour market requirements.