The 2011 Annual Report for the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST) outlines the organization's role in developing South Australia's workforce and enhancing education and training systems. Key highlights include the implementation of the 'Skills for All' reform, introduction of new training initiatives, significant funding allocations, and high student satisfaction ratings within TAFE SA. The report emphasizes collaboration with industry, development of infrastructure, and improvements in vocational education and training quality.

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2. FOR FURTHER COPIES AND ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT
Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology
Office of the Chief Executive
GPO Box 320
ADELAIDE SA 5001
ABN: 16692317206
Telephone: (08) 8226 3821
Facsimile: (08) 8226 9533
The 2011 Annual Report is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.dfeest.sa.gov.au
ISSN: 1449-6437
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4. SECTION ONE 7
YEAR IN REVIEW
Our Business 8
From the Chief Executive 9
At a Glance: Highlights of 2011 10
Skills for All 12
TAFE SA 14
SECTION TWO 17
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Our Priorities 18
Our Structure 20
South Australia’s Strategic Plan 22
DFEEST’s Five Year Strategic Plan 2010-14 24
SECTION THREE 27
OUR PERFORMANCE
Workforce Planning 28
Engagement with Industry 32
Providing Opportunities for All 40
Building World-Class Infrastructure 50
Digital Economy and Technology 54
A Focus on Quality 57
Science and Research 64
Tertiary Education 68
National Contributions 78
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5. CONTENTS
SECTION FOUR 83
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
Ministerial Accountability 84
Legislation 84
Boards, Committees and Authorities 85
Governance 87
Asbestos Management in Government Buildings 89
Carers Recognition Act 2005 89
Disability Action Plans 89
Freedom of Information 89
Management of Human Resources 91
Reconciliation 102
Sustainability 103
Urban Design Charter 111
Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993 111
SECTION FIVE 113
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Financial Overview 114
Summary of Financial Information 114
Audited General Purpose Financial Report 119
Account Payment Performance 165
Consultants 165
Certification by Departmental Executive 167
Independent Auditor’s Report 168
Contractual Arrangements 170
Fraud 170
Overseas Travel 170
GLOSSARY 173
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7. SECTION ONE
YEAR IN REVIEW
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8. 1.1 Our Business
The Department of Further Education, Employment,
Science and Technology’s (DFEEST) role is to ensure the
development of the state’s workforce to meet industry
priorities, to maximise the opportunities for all South
Australians to engage in education, training and work, to
build a more responsive and flexible training system and to
exploit opportunities for South Australia to be at the
forefront of research, science, technology and innovation.
To do this we manage the training system by providing
funding for training, empowering industry, enterprises and
individuals to invest in quality training through contracting
and regulation, monitoring provider performance and
managing vocational education and training (VET)
infrastructure. We also help build the tertiary education,
science, research and innovative capacity in South Australia
by supporting universities and research institutions.
DFEEST has undertaken a range of functions in order to
meet its objectives and contribute to the achievement of During the reporting period, DFEEST
South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP) objectives and played a central role in achieving 14 of
targets. South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets in
the areas of employment, education and
These included:
training as well as science, technology
- the provision of strategic policy advice for and innovation.
developing the State’s workforce, in conjunction
with the Training and Skills Commission (TaSC)
- ensuring high-quality VET is delivered by TAFE
institutes under the Office of TAFE SA, private
registered training organisations and adult
community education providers
- regulation of VET providers, non-university higher
education providers, and providers of English
Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
- regulation, administration and funding of
apprenticeships and traineeships
- managing state-funded employment and training
support programs
- supporting the government’s strategic direction in
the higher education sector
- raising the profile of South Australia in the
international education marketplace
- developing policies and strategies, and delivering
programs, that create opportunities for Aboriginal
people, young people, people with a disability and
older workers
- provision of strategic advice and delivery of
programs in the areas of science, technology and
information economy.
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9. YEAR IN REVIEW
1.2 From the Chief Executive
I am pleased to present the 2011 Annual Report for the
Department of Further Education, Employment, Science
and Technology.
2011 has been an exciting and challenging year with the
commencement of transformational reforms to South
Australia’s training system through Skills for All. The reforms,
when fully implemented, will see funding for an extra
100 000 training places, the removal of fees for many
courses, better access to training for many students and a
training system that will be able to respond more quickly to
student and industry demand.
In 2011 DFEEST implemented a number of major initiatives
to progress the Skills for All reforms. The centre will be a state-of-the-art facility incorporating the
main building trades with a focus on sustainable industries
The Office of TAFE SA was established to help prepare and clean technologies. The design was developed during
TAFE SA for the new contestable VET sector from 2011 with construction work to commence in 2012.
July 2012. In addition, the implementation of 24 other
major reform projects commenced including the Throughout 2011 TAFE SA continued its focus on
assessment of Skills for All providers which will help providing excellence in training to students from all walks
underpin the quality of training that occurs under of life. More than 81 000 students received training during
Skills for All. 2011. Over 91 percent of TAFE SA graduates were satisfied
with the overall quality of their training, the highest
A major initiative was the introduction of the Training satisfaction rating nationally.
Guarantee for South Australian Certificate of Education
(SACE) Students which helps fund students to undertake Employers also gave very positive feedback with over
vocational training while at school and upon completion of 90 percent extremely satisfied with the quality of training
their SACE guarantees an ongoing training place. This being delivered by TAFE SA.
scheme will be expanded in 2012 with increasing interest
from schools and students. It was a great honour that this high standard of training
was recognised at the 2011 National Training Awards with
I am very pleased and proud of what staff across the TAFE SA Regional winning the award as Large Training
department have achieved to date, and look forward to Provider of the Year.
seeing the culmination of these efforts when Skills for All
goes fully live on 2 July 2012. The department also received recognition for the
excellence of its work through the 2011 Premier’s Awards.
In April, Adjunct Professor Don Bursill commenced his
appointment as Chief Scientist for South Australia and has The first award was for the collaborative work DFEEST did
been working with the department and key stakeholders in with AdamMax to provide wireless broadband to fix 50,000
strengthening the links between research and industry. broadband blackspots across the state.
In August, the Minister for Science and Information The second Premier’s Award was for the initiative ‘Remote
Economy launched 'A Science, Technology, Engineering Indigenous Public Access Project – Oodnadatta’.
and Mathematics (STEM) Skills Strategy for South Australia' .
None of this would have been possible without the
The STEM Skills Strategy is targeted at increasing the uptake dedication and hard work of many staff and the leadership
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics of our Ministers in 2011 - Minister Snelling, Minister
professions to support the growing demand in our high Kenyon and Premier Weatherill.
value emerging industries.
During 2011 the department also progressed work on the
exciting new $105 million Sustainable Industries Education Raymond Garrand
Centre at Tonsley Park. Chief Executive
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10. 1.3 At A Glance : Highlights of 2011
- 123 800 South Australian students participated in accredited training
- 34 400 Apprentices and Trainees participated in training (as at 30 June 2011) -
People in Training
a 3.9 percent increase on the previous year’s figure
- More than 81 000 students were enrolled in TAFE SA
- Over $150 million of Commonwealth funding supported South Australian
Commonwealth and State employment and training outcomes
Relations - The National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development: Equity and
Foundation Skills, driven by DFEEST, was embedded in national policy
- Over 1500 people were engaged in community consultations
- The Training Guarantee for SACE Students commenced
- Learner Support Services trials commenced in TAFE SA
Skills for All - Over 1400 subsidised courses have been identified for inclusion on the Subsidised
Training List
- The Adult Community Education program was expanded to increase
learner pathways
- Skills for Jobs 2011, a five-year skills and workforce development plan, was launched
Training and Skills
- Two regional visits, Whyalla and the Riverland, were undertaken
Commission
- A workforce study on Eyre Peninsula mining projects was released
- TAFE SA achieved 91 percent student satisfaction
- The $9.4 million Victor Harbor campus was opened and awarded a Civic Trust Award
- Construction of the Sustainable Industries Education Centre is one step closer
TAFE SA
- The new $20.4 million Student Information System was implemented
- TAFE SA shone at South Australian Training Awards with TAFE SA Regional winning
Large Training Provider of the Year
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11. YEAR IN REVIEW
- South Australia exceeded National Partnership Agreement targets
- $51 million invested for Existing Workers with 14 000 existing worker
enrolments approved
Productivity Places Program
- $16 million invested for Job Seekers with 5 420 job seeker enrolments approved
- A $4.5 million boost was allocated to the South Australian Defence industry
- $4.6 million was invested to fund 1 223 qualifications in mining
- Outback Connect won two Premier’s Awards for AdamMax – Shining the Light on
Broadband Blackspots and Remote Indigenous Public Access Project – Oodnadatta
Digital Economy and
- The National Broadband Network arrived in Willunga with the highest take-up of
Technology
any region
- Port Pirie received a $112 000 boost for broadband services
- $5 million invested in a purpose-built Photonics Facility
Science and Research - SA STEM Skills Strategy launched
- Professor Don Bursill was announced as the new Chief Scientist for South Australia
- Over 11 000 people participated in 93 Adult Community Education (ACE) programs
delivered by 70 community-based organisations
South Australia Works
- $6.4 million invested will support 8800 people through South Australia Works
- $2.4 million invested in the ACE program to increase learner pathways
- $2.6 million of Commonwealth funding was secured for more training and jobs
Aboriginal Training and
- $1 million funding offered to assist Aboriginal job seekers
Employment
- Industry Clusters supported 285 Aboriginal people into training or employment
- The amended Training and Skills Development Act 2008 was implemented to
strengthen regulation
Quality - The Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) Bill drafted and
submitted to Parliament
- An International Student Card was launched with SAPOL
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12. 1.4 Skills for All
Skills for All, announced in late December 2010, is the MORE SUPPORT FOR THE MOST DISADVANTAGED
strategic direction for VET in South Australia. The South Australian government will encourage more
people than ever to enter training, successfully complete
Implementation is planned over four years. When fully that training and gain employment. To achieve this,
implemented, Skills for All will bring fundamental changes additional learner support services, which will include
to the state’s training system in order to: specialised learning and workplace experience, was trialled
- raise the skills level of South Australians for the most disadvantaged. Examples of disadvantaged
groups include women returning to work and those facing
- increase the number of South Australians with post-
generational unemployment.
school qualifications
- increase workforce participation. Certificate I and II level training, and foundation skills will be
fully funded with no course fees, and further concessions
To support Skills for All, the South Australian government will continue to be available at Certificate III and IV level for
committed an additional $194 million and set an ambitious low-income earners.
goal as part of its Jobs Strategy which, with the Productivity
Places Program (PPP), to create 100 000 new jobs for the IMPROVED PATHWAYS INTO LEARNING AND WORK
state over the six years from 2010-11. Skills for All recognises the importance of ensuring
foundation skills are readily accessible to support those
In order to achieve this goal, an additional 100 000 training who may experience barriers to training and employment.
places in key growth industries has been committed over
six years. The state government has doubled funding for foundation
skills and committed $6.4 million for the Adult Community
The aim is to create a VET system that responds quickly and Education (ACE) sector to create an additional 6000
flexibly to the needs of individuals and industry; a system training places for South Australians who want to boost
which is simpler to access and navigate, and supports their literacy and numeracy skills in order to move on to
more people to enter training and progress to higher higher level training or find work.
qualifications and employment.
Pathways from school to further training have also been
Key aspects of the reform will be in place by 2 July 2012. improved. The training system now supports school
students 16 years and over who are on a VET pathway
GOVERNMENT-FUNDED TRAINING PLACES
and provides access to the training subsidy for further
South Australians aged 16 years and over will be eligible training once they complete school.
for a government-funded training subsidy to meet
individual needs and industry demand. A SHARED INVESTMENT IN SKILLS
The funding structure is being simplified. The overall
CLIENT CHOICE OF TRAINING PROVIDER
funding provided by government is increasing. There will
Students will be able to select the training provider of their be a greater sharing of the costs for higher level training
choice from TAFE SA and other approved private training for which, at Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels,
providers. To assist South Australians in selecting the providers will be able to offer income-contingent loans.
training and provider that is right for them, Skills for All will Maximum and minimum restrictions on course fees will
focus on developing resources and information that will prevent providers from overcharging students, while
give people access to high-quality information on careers, ensuring that providers cannot offer training at artificially
training options and providers. low prices.
CLIENTS WILL BE WELL INFORMED MORE SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY
The Skills for All website will build a training information Employers can also access government-endorsed,
portal that offers information about Skills for All providers, independent workforce development advisors to help
their services and funded training courses. It will link South identify workforce development needs and broker relevant
Australians to high-quality information and tools on training and support.
careers, occupations and training pathways at one up-to-
date and easy-to-navigate website. Skills for All implementation has made good progress and is
on track for the 2 July 2012 starting date.
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13. YEAR IN REVIEW
AN ASSURANCE OF QUALITY A RENEWED PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY
From 2012, South Australia will be part of the National VET Under Skills for All, the South Australian government will
Regulation system, and will work cooperatively with the work with industry to promote workforce development,
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Training maximise investment in training and encourage more
providers wishing to access public funding will need to people to gain skills through training throughout their
meet rigorous criteria to become a Skills for All provider. working lives.
The requirements are in addition to meeting the standards
under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Skills in the Workplace
and may mean that not all currently registered training
providers will be able to access public funding. This will The Skills in the Workplace program will allow employers in
result in training providers that meet the highest standards key target industries to co-invest with government to
of quality for students to ensure that South Australia retains improve the skill level of employees at higher qualification
its reputation for high-quality education and training. levels and support workforce development.
From 2012, the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Skills in the Workplace will offer contestable funding
Agency (TEQSA) will have national responsibility for higher designed to raise the skill levels of existing workers and to
education provision. address skill demands in key industry sectors. Employer
commitment and investment will be key requirements of
EMPLOYER RECOGNITION PROGRAM Skills in the Workplace, and government investment in the
program will add to, not replace, enterprise investment in
DFEEST will establish a new Employer Recognition workforce skills development.
Program that publicly acknowledges the critical role
employers and businesses play in meeting skill needs and
developing the workforce. This new program will help to
recognise and reward employers and to assist in the
continued development of a culture of training in South
Australia.
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14. 1.5 TAFE SA
As South Australia’s largest provider of VET, TAFE SA plays a TAFE SA was also awarded, or contributed to the awarding
major role in providing a comprehensive range of courses of the following:
to industry, the community and disadvantaged groups.
Together, the three TAFE institutes of Adelaide North, - TAFE SA was awarded the National Excellence Award
Adelaide South and Regional play a critical role in delivering for Outstanding Contribution to Indigenous
on South Australian government priorities, including the Interpreting by the Australian Institute of Interpreters
facilitation of an additional 100 000 training places over six and Translators for its delivery of the Diploma in
years. Interpreting in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
Lands and other parts of South Australia
In 2011, TAFE SA delivered training to over 81 000 students
in more than 800 courses across 50 campuses. - A South Australian apprentice carpenter, trained by
TAFE SA, was judged as the best apprentice and
TAFE SA achieved the highest satisfaction ratings nationally winner of the National Apprentice Carpenter of
with over 91 percent of TAFE SA graduates satisfied with the Year
the overall quality of their training (National Centre for
Vocational Education Research (NCVER) 2011), and - TAFE SA’s Regency International Centre was awarded
95 percent of TAFE SA graduates would recommend the the Servicing Industry Award at the South Australian
training they undertook to other people. Premier’s Food Industry Awards which recognises a
business for outstanding and innovative service. The
A total of 91 percent of employers are satisfied with the centre also won the bronze medal in the Tourism
quality of training delivered by TAFE SA to apprentices and Education and Training category at the 2011 South
trainees, and 94 percent are satisfied with the quality of Australian Tourism Awards
nationally recognised training delivered by TAFE SA
(NCVER 2011). - An apprentice from Mount Gambier won a bronze
medal at the 41st WorldSkills International Competition
The Office of TAFE SA commenced operation in July 2011 held in London
as an interim arrangement to progress TAFE SA priorities
and to assist TAFE SA to become increasingly independent - A TAFE SA Building Lecturer won the 2011 SafeWork
and accountable in preparation for autonomy as a award for the Best Individual Contribution to
statutory authority. Ms Elaine Bensted, the Chief Executive, Workplace Health and Safety for his submission on the
Office of TAFE SA has been reporting to the TAFE SA 3M™ Peltor™ Lite-Com III™ communication headset
Interim Board since July 2011 and held to account for the which controls hazardous noise and has improved
outcomes against the Ministerial Charters and Institute safety for lecturers and students. The TAFE SA Building
Performance Agreements. program is believed to be the first educational
institution in Australia to have used this cutting-edge
Fortnightly video-conferences were held for all staff to technology in the form of two-way communication
ensure that changes as a result of Skills for All are well headsets to allow lecturers to effectively and safely
understood by staff. Campus forums have also been held to communicate with their students in a high-noise
provide opportunities for staff to engage in discussion. All training environment
areas of TAFE SA’s business are being reviewed to ensure
they are appropriate with the move into a new funding - A Glass Glazing Lecturer at Marleston campus won the
model in 2012. Glass Glazing Association of South Australia 2011
South Australian Glass Person of the Year Award
- TAFE SA Beer brand ‘Campus Brewery’ won two silver
Recognition and Awards medals at the 2011 Australian International Beer
South Australia was well represented at the 2011 Australian Awards for the beers ‘Nut Brown’ and ‘American
Training Awards, with eleven nominations, including six Brown Ale’. These awards showcase premium beer
relating to TAFE SA. TAFE SA Regional won the Large and brewing excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Training Provider of the Year and a TAFE SA student won
Vocational Student of the Year. Murray Bridge Veterinary
Clinic won Small Employer of the Year with accredited
training provided by TAFE SA. TAFE SA was also the
national runner-up in both of the VET Teacher/Trainer of
the Year and Australian School-based Apprentice of the
Year categories.
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15. YEAR IN REVIEW
Plans for 2012
2012 is a very important year for TAFE SA, with significant TAFE SA will continue to set the benchmark in Australia in
changes being undertaken in the vocational education and terms of student satisfaction and employment outcomes,
training system in South Australia as the Skills for All reforms and continue to play a central role in the state’s
are introduced. development.
TAFE SA as South Australia’s largest provider will play a TAFE SA fosters productivity, prosperity and social inclusion
critical role in progressing these reforms and 2011 has through skills development for individuals and industry as a
been a year for TAFE SA to ensure it is ready to effectively state government owned entity. TAFE SA will continue to
operate in a more competitive demand-driven market. deliver on its goals by:
Legislation will be introduced in 2012 to establish TAFE SA - delivering training that provides students every
as a Statutory Authority. This will give TAFE SA greater opportunity to achieve their personal, educational
autonomy, increased capacity to respond to market needs, and career goals
and the opportunity to attract more funding and grow in - engaging with employers, industry and the
what will be a much bigger training system . community to continue developing the highly
During 2012, TAFE SA will strengthen relationships with skilled workforce they need
industries and engagement with employers to deliver the - ensuring our products and services meet the
education and training required to develop the highly diverse needs of our students and industry
skilled workforce needed by current and emerging
industries. - prioritising resources to support our vision, meet
market expectations and implement contemporary
With the proposed changes, work will continue for methodologies and technologies
TAFE SA to remain South Australia’s largest provider of - building relationships to guarantee our
vocational education and training and will continue to offer educational delivery is meaningful and current
a diverse range of courses, including building, construction
and furnishing, manufacturing, engineering and transport, - working with ACE providers to support South
community services and health, hospitality and tourism, Australians needing foundation skills.
business and finance and primary industries, food TAFE SA looks forward to working with students, staff,
and wine. employers, industry and its many stakeholders during 2012
and in the future.
Vanessa Corbell - a
TAFE SA Floristry
student won the
State and National
Oasis Designz Cup
competitions
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17. SECTION TWO
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
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18. 2.1 Our Priorities
Through skills and innovation, DFEEST provides the OUR VISION
underpinning elements for a strong sustainable economy South Australia has the best workforce in Australia.
for South Australia, achieved through greater participation
and productivity from our workforce.
OUR MISSION
DFEEST’s priorities include ensuring South Australia has
exemplary workforce planning and development practices; To develop the skills and capability of the state’s workforce
strong industry partnerships; increased participation in and to maximise the opportunities for all South Australians to
learning and work; a state with high quality and excellence engage in work.
in tertiary education and training; supporting the state’s
environmental sustainability through the development of Our actions to achieve this mission include:
skills and technology; supporting world competitive research - supporting the Training and Skills Commission
and uptake of new technologies and innovation; all with a (TaSC) in providing strategic advice and
continued emphasis on quality and high performance. recommendations to the government on priorities
and actions to increase the skills base of the
Supporting the South Australian government’s agenda in
workforce
areas such as Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) infrastructure, and the rollout of the National - working with industry, employers, business and
Broadband Network (NBN) in identified regions of the state across government to develop the highly skilled
is a continuing priority of DFEEST. workforce needed by current and
emerging industries
In preparation for the ongoing implementation of Skills for
- building on our past successes to propel the state
All from 2012, the process for identifying and developing its
forward with an education and training system that
strategic direction was a major priority throughout 2011.
is more responsive to industry demands
Skills for All, the department’s strategic direction for VET, will
position the sector to respond quickly and flexibly to the skill - exploiting opportunities which put South Australia
needs of industry and individuals. This includes ensuring that at the national forefront of research and
TAFE SA has appropriate governance and funding technology, and innovation development
arrangements in place so that it is well prepared for changes
- creating more opportunities for Aboriginal people,
to the way in which VET is delivered in South Australia. young people, people with disabilities and older
people to participate in the workforce and in
their communities.
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19. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
OUR VALUES
DFEEST is striving to become a high-performance learning Openness in decision making by:
organisation which attracts, develops and retains a highly
- providing reasons for our decisions
talented workforce. The department will only achieve this
through a strong commitment to our people and core - restricting information only in the public interest
values. We will demonstrate this through: and preservation of personal privacy
- resolving conflicts
Respect for: - being transparent.
- the values, beliefs, customs and cultures of
individuals and our community
Striving for excellence in:
- others’ rights, responsibilities and professionalism.
- the efficient and effective use of public resources
Responsiveness in: - environmental sustainability
- providing timely and caring services - embedding equality of access and opportunity
- generating innovative and creative - treating people fairly
shared solutions - standards of service.
- embracing change that improves our effectiveness
and efficiency
Courage in:
- recognising and celebrating effort
and achievement. - challenging and being challenged
- taking risks
- doing things in different ways
- taking responsibility for mistakes and learning
from them
- enforcing our code of conduct.
The key priorities for the
Department of Further
Education, Employment,
Science and Technology in
2011 centred on the
department’s Strategic Plan
2010-2014 and
directly reflected the vision,
mission and values of
South Australia’s Strategic
Kristal West - Plan targets.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
2011 South Australian Training Awards
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20. 2.2 Our Structure
PRODUCTIVITY
In order to successfully respond to the objectives of One of the focuses for Skills for All is the need for industry to
Skills for All, and to strengthen capacity in science, research increase its productivity through co-investment in training
and technology, the structure within the department and workforce development. This is ideally achieved
required transformation. through a renewed partnership with education providers,
industry, unions, the community and individuals.
The organisational restructure was fundamentally about
refocusing the department to deliver on the new policy The application of science, research, innovation and digital
direction and approach in Skills for All and to deliver on the technologies will also be critical determinants of future
Minister’s agenda for advancing science, technology, productivity and growth.
engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills as well as for
science, research and technology. The following directorates are grouped under the
Productivity stream:
The realignment of activities also provided an opportunity
to achieve administrative efficiencies, minimise duplication, - Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services
improve systems and processes and, where possible, - Industry Skills Development
economies of scale in areas such as contract management
- Digital Economy and Technology
and administration to achieve significant budget savings.
- Quality, Tertiary Education, Science and Research
Skills for All is making significant changes to South (QTESR) (specifically STEM and science
Australia’s VET system, and TAFE SA, the state’s public and research).
training provider is changing too. Skills for All gives TAFE SA
greater autonomy along with increased capacity to
respond to changing market needs.
PARTICIPATION
With TAFE SA having greater autonomy through the Office
of TAFE SA, and in the future as a statutory authority, there Skills for All proposes fundamental changes to the way
was a need to reconfigure DFEEST Corporate, both in training is accessed. A new directorate, Skills SA, was
terms of its relationship with TAFE SA as well as in terms of formed to deliver on Skills for All reforms. Skills SA has a
working across the training system, with all education dedicated team of staff to ensure stakeholders have access
sectors, industry and employers. to high-quality consumer information on careers and
training options. The focus initially is on provision of better
The organisational restructure, and the corresponding information to allow a demand-driven model to function
changes in the way that DFEEST operates, was designed to and then investment in systems to administer and allocate
ensure that the department could deliver on Skills for All funding based on student demand and industry needs.
objectives and requirements. Initial structural changes were
made from 1 July 2011. The department has a focus on increasing the participation
of South Australians in learning, training and work, in
The DFEEST Corporate structure has been developed particular people experiencing barriers and disadvantage in
around three themes which inform functional groupings: the labour market.
- Productivity Directorates under the Participation stream include:
- Participation - QTESR (specifically quality of training providers
- Policy and Corporate Support. through contracting and support for
professional development)
- Skills SA
- Participation and Equity.
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21. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND CORPORATE SUPPORT
Strategic Policy, Resources and Corporate Services Corporate Communications and
Finance Skills for All will require changes to the Marketing
The key objective of the Strategic tools, resources and infrastructure Corporate Communications and
Policy, Resources and Finance area is required to support the new student- Marketing is responsible for managing
to ensure highest quality business, centred demand-driven training the communications and marketing
economic and labour market analysis system. This will require enhanced needs of DFEEST and for providing
to support prompt and informed information management systems strategic media and communications
resource allocation by the Chief configured to new funding models. advice to the Chief Executive and the
Executive and DFEEST executives, With new systems comes an Minister.
thereby focusing alignment between opportunity to review and consolidate
DFEEST programs and pursuit of contract management and The role includes responding to
strategic targets (both for DFEEST administrative functions. Corporate requests from the media, and initiating
and SASP). Services had previously undergone a contact with the media to announce
major review to develop a preferred and promote initiatives of DFEEST and
Strategic policy, review and evaluation structure that will provide the optimal TAFESA. It also includes providing
are brought together in a single systems and arrangements to deliver advice on the development and use
directorate to provide strong on the Skills for All reforms and of social media, monitoring trends in
integration between policy and achieve efficiencies. communications and marketing, and
evaluation, and some economies of managing and marketing events such
scale. Individual directorates are For more information about as the South Australian Training
responsible for operational policy, Corporate Governance, please refer to Awards and the South Australian
operational review and evaluation as page 87. Science Excellence Awards.
it relates to implementation.
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22. 2.3 South Australia’s Strategic Plan
South Australia’s Strategic Plan (SASP) outlines a medium to
long-term course for the whole of South Australia, and sets
out targets under interrelated objectives.
At the start of 2011, DFEEST was the lead agency
responsible for 14 targets, under the objectives: growing
prosperity; fostering creativity and innovation; and
expanding opportunity.
OBJECTIVE – GROWING PROSPERITY
T1.10 Jobs: Better the Australian average employment T4.10 Australian Government resources: Secure
growth rate by 2014. (Now target T47). Australian Government research and
development resources to 10 percent above
T1.11 Unemployment: Maintain equal or lower than South Australia’s per capita share by 2010
the Australian average through to 2014. and increase this share to 25 percent by
(Now target T49). 2014, for both public and private spheres.
T1.12 Employment participation: Increase the T4.11 Business expenditure: Increase business
employment to population ratio, standardised expenditure on research and development to
for age differences, to the Australian average. 1.5 percent of GSP in 2010 and increase to
1.9 percent by 2014. (Now target T98).
T1.26 Aboriginal unemployment: Reduce the gap
between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
unemployment rates each year.
(Now target T51).
OBJECTIVE – EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY
T1.16 Share of overseas students: Double South
Australia’s share of overseas students by 2014.
(Now target T90). T6.15 Learning or earning: By 2010, increase the
number of 15-19 year olds engaged full-time
in school, work or further education/training
OBJECTIVE – FOSTERING CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION (or combination thereof) to 90 percent.
(Now target T54).
T4.6 Commercialisation of research: Increase gross
revenues received by South Australian-based T6.19 Non-school qualifications: By 2014, equal or
research institutions from licences, options, better the national average for the
royalty agreements, assignments, licensed proportion of the labour force with
technology and patents by 2010. non-school qualifications.
(Now target T95). (Now target T91).
T6.20 Higher education: Increase South Australia’s
T4.8 Broadband usage: Broadband usage to proportion of higher education students to
exceed the Australian national average by 7.5 percent of the national total by 2014.
2010, and be maintained thereafter. (Now target T93).
(Now target T57).
T6.21 VET participation: Exceed the national
T4.9 Public expenditure: By 2010, public average for VET participation by 2010.
expenditure on research and development as
a proportion of GSP, to match or exceed
average investment compared to other
Australian states. (Now target T96).
Page 22

23. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
RELAUNCH OF THE SASP
The 2011 update of the SASP included 100 targets
restructured to reflect the visions shared by all South
Australians across six priority areas of community,
prosperity, environment, health, education and ideas.
Since November 2011, DFEEST has had lead responsibility
for 17 of the 100 targets detailed in the Plan in the areas of
prosperity, education and ideas. While many of the
department’s targets have been amended, five new targets
have been assigned:
T48 Ageing workforce participation: Increase the
proportion of older South Australians who are
engaged in the workforce by 10 percentage
points by 2020.
T50 People with disability: Increase by 10 percent the
number of people with a disability employed in
South Australia by 2020.
T55 Apprentices: Increase the number of apprentice
completions in trade occupations by 20 percent
by 2020.
T58 Online business: Increase the proportion of
businesses that receive orders online from
24 percent to 40 percent by 2014 and continue
growth each year to 2020.
T92 Science, technology, engineering and
mathematics qualifications: Increase the number
of domestic students completing undergraduate
qualifications in specified science, technology,
engineering and mathematics fields of education
by 15 percentage points to 3 600 students per
annum by 2020.
Page 23

24. 2.4 Our Five Year Strategic Plan 2010-14
The department’s Five Year Strategic Plan 2010-14, released
in May 2010, provides the strategic direction for the
department. The plan maps out seven clear goals that link
to SASP targets, and which focus on:
1. EXEMPLARY WORKFORCE PLANNING AND 3. HIGH LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION AND ACHIEVEMENT
DEVELOPMENT IN LEARNING AND WORK
Our future workforce will be built through a world-class Investing in education, skills and training that leads to
system of workforce planning and development based on secure, well-paid jobs is essential to the state’s future
understanding and responding to both industry and prosperity through increased productivity, workforce
individual demand. participation and social inclusion.
Links to SASP Targets T1.10, T1.11, T1.12, T1.26, T6.15, Links to SASP Targets T1.16, T6.15, T6.19, T6.20 and T6.21.
T6.19, T6.20 and T6.21.
4. EXCELLENCE IN TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2. STRONG INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Building the capability, quality and capacity of the VET and
Strong partnerships ensure employers have people with higher education systems to meet the demands of
the right skills at the right time to increase productivity in a individuals and of industry to address South Australia’s
rapidly changing and higher skilled economy. future labour supply requirements.
Links to SASP Targets T1.10, T1.11, T1.12, T1.26, T4.6, T4.8, Links to SASP Targets T1.10, T6.15, T6.16, T6.19, T6.20
T4.9, T4.10, T4.11, T6.15, T6.19, T6.20 and T6.21. and T6.21.
Page 24

25. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
5. WORLD COMPETITIVE RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND 7. DFEEST IS A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ORGANISATION
INNOVATION DFEEST is a highly skilled organisation that provides
responsive, effective and efficient services to industry, small
The state’s prosperity, economic growth, environmental and medium enterprises, individuals, the community and
sustainability and social wellbeing are underpinned by the the government.
discovery and application of knowledge to create new and
better products, and smarter processes and systems. Links to SASP Targets T1.7, T1.8, T1.9, T2.7, T2.11, T2.12,
T3.13 and T4.8.
Links to SASP Targets T4.6, T4.8, T4.9, T4.10 and T4.11.
6. SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE STATE’S
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The long-term economic prosperity of South Australia is
inextricably connected to environmental sustainability,
investments in research and technological innovations and
in building the skills for sustainable development; these
things are essential to secure business and employment
opportunities from innovative green industries and services.
Links to SASP Targets T3.7, T4.6, T4.7, T4.9, T4.10 and T4.11.
Page 25

26. Joshua Konc -
Apprentice of the Year
2011 South Australian Training Awards
Page 26

27. SECTION THREE
OUR PERFORMANCE
Page 27

28. 3.1 Workforce Planning
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goal 1
DFEEST continued to refine workforce modelling in Skills for Jobs
conjunction with the TaSC as follows: In early December 2011 the TaSC released its annual
- supported targeted industries to develop update of the five-year plan for skills and workforce
workforce plans development, Skills for Jobs. The plan showed that job
openings over the period 2009-10 to 2014-15 will total
- facilitated the development and launch of the approximately 163 000, comprising of 69 000 new jobs
Resources Industry Workforce Action Plan in due to economic growth and 94 000 due to replacement
conjunction with Resources and Energy of those leaving the workforce.
Skills Australia
- supported the early childhood development The total demand for qualifications over this period is
workforce through an analysis of their workforce estimated to reach 299 000 - 95 000 of which are at the
requirements, and informed the State Migration Bachelor degree or higher; 51 000 at the
Plan through analysis and modelling of Advanced Diploma/Diploma level; 44 000 at the Certificate
relevant data. IV level and 70 000 at the Certificate III level.
However, more and better job opportunities are vital if The plan was again developed following extensive
people are to lead fulfilling, independent lives and generate consultation with industry and regional stakeholders, and
future opportunities. Being employed affects income, living includes a detailed analysis on the demand for
standards, welfare dependency, social inclusion and social qualifications associated with specialist occupations. The
connectedness, and through them, social and economic plan identifies 87 specialist occupations in South Australia,
wellbeing, for both individuals and their family members 2. around one-quarter of all occupations in the state. The skills
for these occupations are highly specialised and often
While strong jobs growth is a sign of a strong and require extended learning over several years. TaSC’s
prosperous economy, the quality of available jobs is analysis shows that 33 of these specialist occupations are
increasingly important. Higher skilled jobs provide higher likely to have insufficient supply of qualifications over the
incomes and greater security for the people who five-year period. This information will be used by DFEEST in
hold them. devising its eligible qualifications list and caps and
incentives regime under Skills for All reforms.
DFEEST also continued to work with a number of industries
concerning their workforce planning and development The 2011 plan also highlighted the participation challenge
needs. During the year, DFEEST supported the workforce facing South Australia and urged the government to
planning activities of a number of industries, including address this challenge through targeting its Skills for All
transport and logistics, telecommunications, early investment in areas such as foundation skills, adult
childhood, defence and mining industries. community education, and wrap-around services for those
who face barriers to training and work.
DFEEST continued to coordinate and facilitate joint
activities with the network of industry skills boards which
provided opportunities to work through policy issues
with industries.
As part of Skills for All, employers will be able to access
government-endorsed, independent workforce
development advisors to help identify workforce
development needs and broker relevant training
and support.
2
ABS 2010, Year Book Australia, 2009-10, cat. no. 1301.0, ABS, Canberra cited in ABS 4125.0 - Gender Indicators, Australia, July 2011
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29. OUR PERFORMANCE
Plans for 2012
As the government transfers its regulatory powers over to In 2012 the TaSC will continue to hold regional visits
ASQA in VET and Tertiary Education Quality and Standards following its successful visits to Whyalla and the Riverland
Agency (TEQSA) in higher education in 2012 the TaSC will during 2011. During 2012 the TaSC will also advise the
continue to advise the Minister on the extent to which Minister on how the state can maximise employment
Skills for All produces quality vocational outcomes. The TaSC participation from the mining expansion, particularly for
will also encourage industry to embrace Skills for All and regional communities.
partner with government to invest in workforce planning
and training.
15 Percent Workforce Participation in Government Construction Procurement
From 1 January 2011, government construction contracts require the contractor to ensure
that 15 percent of the onsite labour hours on major government building and civil
infrastructure projects are undertaken by apprentices, trainees, Aboriginal people and local
people who have barriers to employment.
DFEEST is working with contractors to provide assistance to meet compliance obligations
through measures such as South Australia Works, Skills in the Workplace and
Indigenous programs.
Projects signed in 2011, and that fall within scope, include DFEEST’s Sustainable Industries Education Centre
(SIEC) and the Adelaide Oval Redevelopment.
Other projects that were signed prior to 1 January 2011, such as the Seaford Rail Extension and the South Road
SuperWay have participation targets built into their contracts. DFEEST’s South Australia Works regional
coordinators are working with these contracts to identify training and employment services that will assist them
to meet their targets.
Women Influencing Defence and Resources Industry project
DFEEST collaborated with the defence and resources sectors to foster a community of
practice with over 150 women. The Women Influencing Defence and Resources Industry
project provided programs aimed at supporting the attraction and retention of female
employees in the two industry sectors. Participants attended professional development in
leadership and mentoring and were provided with networking opportunities.
Page 29

30. Employment Growth
The current annual employment growth rate at December 2011 was 0.6 percent in South Australia and 0.1 percent at the
national level. At the same time, South Australia’s labour force participation rate was 63.3 percent.
Figure 1: Trend total employment growth
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Cat No 6202.0
Figure 2: Labour force participation
66%
65%
64%
63%
63.2%
62% Dec 2011
Projected
61% (Target 65.4 at Jan 2012 )
Trend (Jan 2001 - Dec 2011)
60%
59%
58%
Jan-01
Jan-02
Jan-03
Jan-04
Jan-05
Jan-06
Jan-07
Jan-08
Jan-09
Jan-10
Jan-11
Jan-12
Jan-13
Jan-14
Jan-15
Jan-16
Source: ABS Cat No 6202.0
Page 30

31. OUR PERFORMANCE
Young people full time in school, work or further education/training
In November 2011, 85.5 percent of young people aged 15 to 19 in South Australia were engaged full time in either study
or employment, or a combination of both. This compares to 84.8 percent at the national level.
Figure 3: Youth (15-19 years) learning or earning engagement ratio
Source: ABS Cat No 6202.0
Unemployment rates by level of educational attainment
In 2006, people with qualifications of Certificate III and above experienced unemployment rates considerably lower than
those without higher level qualifications.
Figure 4: Unemployment rate census 2006
Source: ABS Population Census 2006
Page 31

32. 3.2 Engagement with Industry
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goals1, 2 and 3
APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES
The traineeship and apprenticeship system is an area in
which the department directly engages with industry to
develop and maintain South Australia’s skilled workforce.
DFEEST is responsible for the regulation of South Australia’s
traineeship and apprenticeship system, under delegation
from the Training and Skills Commission, and for the
provision of subsidies to support the training of trainees
and apprentices.
Trainee and apprentice activity Traineeship and Apprenticeship Information Service
In 2011, more South Australians participated in the The department operates an information service to provide
traineeship and apprenticeship system than ever before, advice and information on the traineeship and
with an increase in both the number of commencements apprenticeship system to trainees, apprentices, their
and completions. The number of early completions employers and the general public. In 2011, the information
also increased. service responded to 27 341 phone calls – an average of
525 calls per week. This represents a 5.5 percent increase in
- At 30 June 2011, there were an estimated 34 400
trainees and apprentices in training, a 3.9 percent calls from 2010.
increase on the previous year’s figure
(see Figure 5)
Employer Registrations and Employer Visits
- In 2010-11, there were an estimated 23 200
traineeship and apprenticeship commencements, The Training and Skills Development Act 2008 requires
a 4.5 percent increase on the previous year’s employers to register prior to employing and training
figure (see Figure 5) trainees and apprentices. In 2011, 2294 new employers
were registered to take on trainees and apprentices. A total
- An estimated total of 12 400 trainees and of 16 032 employers were registered in South Australia at
apprentices completed their training in the twelve 31 December 2011.
months to 30 June 2011, a 4.2 percent increase on
the previous year’s figure (see Figure 5) The department works closely with employers and their
- The number of existing worker commencements trainees and apprentices and conducted over 4000
and newly commencing workers both increased employer visits in 2011.
in 2010-11 (see Figure 6).
- The number of early completions experienced a
minor increase of 0.4 percent in 2011.
Page 32

33. OUR PERFORMANCE
Figure 5: Trainee and apprentice activity, five years ending 30 June 2011 4
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000 In-Training
15000 Commencements
Completions
10000
5000
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Year
Figure 6: Existing worker trainee and apprentice commencements compared to newly commencing
workers, five years ending 30 June 2011 4
4
Data for Figures 8 and 9 are sourced from the NCVER Australian VET statistics – Apprentices and trainees June quarter
(2011) report. Data for 2011 and in training data for 2010 are estimates. The NCVER may revise these figures in the fu-
ture. In training data is provided at 30 June annually; commencement and completion data are provided from the
12 months ending 30 June of each year.
Page 33

34. User Choice Training Subsidies E-Training Plans
The department is responsible for the provision of User Registered Training Providers are now able to lodge
Choice training subsidies to both public and private training apprenticeship and traineeship training plans online. Online
organisations, to support trainees and apprentices with the lodgement has reduced red tape and improved the quality
cost of formal training. The User Choice policy has of the information available to the department.
historically supported all trade qualifications, a range of
traineeships at Certificate II and III Australian Qualifications Apprenticeship Nominal Terms
Framework (AQF) levels and a small number of higher level
traineeship qualifications. As part of the South Australian DFEEST prepared a consultation paper for the TaSC that
government’s election promise to support an additional was used to consult key industry stakeholders about the
100 000 training places over six years and the Skills for All appropriateness of current nominal terms for twelve trade
reform, User Choice funding was extended to all existing apprenticeships. The chosen trades have an early
worker trainees undertaking Certificate III qualifications in completion rate of 40 percent or more for all completions
September 2011. This was followed by the extension of over the period January 2007 to June 2010. The trades
training subsidies to new and existing worker trainees who concerned were Bread Baker and Pastry Cook, Butcher,
commenced a Training Contract from 7 December 2011 in Cook, Automotive Parts Interpreting (Specialist), Engineering
most AQF levels II to VI qualifications. Tradesperson (Fabrication) and (Mechanical), Bricklaying,
Carpentry and/or Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Tiling
In 2010, 160 registered training organisations (consisting of (Wall and Floor), Hairdressing and Printing Machining. All
TAFE SA and privately owned providers) received funding have a nominal term of four years, except for Automotive
under a User Choice agreement. A total of $42 million in Parts Interpreting (Specialist), which has a three-year term.
contestable funding was provided by the department The TaSC will consider industry feedback in early 2012.
during the year to support almost 22 000 trainees.
As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, funding for apprentices Institution-based Trade Training Survey and Paper
represented 56 percent of student numbers and 70 percent In 2011, DFEEST conducted a survey of institution-based
of expenditure, while funding for traineeships represented trade training learners across the state, and included the
44 percent of student numbers and 30 percent of results in an information paper on institutional pathways to
expenditure. In general, apprenticeship training is more trade qualifications, prepared for the TaSC. The paper is
expensive than traineeship training due to higher intended to assist the TaSC to develop a policy position on
infrastructure costs and smaller class sizes. institution-based trade training in South Australia.
Supervisor’s Guide
Figure 7: Student numbers
In 2011, DFEEST launched a comprehensive information
package for supervisors of trainees and apprentices. The
package consists of a booklet and DVD designed to support
supervisors in their day-to-day management, and enable
them to work more productively with trainees and
apprentices. The Supervisor’s Guide emphasises the need to
provide pastoral support and mentoring, which research
indicates is vital to the retention of trainees and apprentices,
and their completion of traineeships and apprenticeships.
A copy of the Supervisor’s Guide was sent to approximately
16 500 registered employers, with additional copies sent to
Industry Skills Boards and Australian Apprenticeships Figure 8: Funding ($ million)
Centres. The Supervisor’s Guide has also been uploaded
onto the Skills for All website, with hard copies available
from the department on request.
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35. OUR PERFORMANCE
Plans for 2012
Harmonisation Phoenix
In 2011, states and territories agreed, in principle, to the Phoenix, a web-based system assisting in the management
harmonisation of training laws and administrative processes of Training Contracts, is expected to be delivered during
for traineeships and apprenticeships by 30 June 2014. The 2012-13. This system enables training providers, employers,
department has commenced work with other jurisdictions apprentices and trainees to view and manage their own
to complete Stage 1 of the implementation plan by information online.
30 June 2012. The Commonwealth government has
announced the devolvement of the management of
Australian Apprenticeship Support Services to the states and Employer Recognition Program
territories in 2014, conditional upon the achievement In 2012 the department will implement an employer
of harmonisation. recognition program as part of the Skills for All reforms. The
program will encourage and reward employers with an
outstanding commitment to training and workforce
Mentoring Apprentices and Trainees development, including apprenticeships.
Research indicates that the provision of mentoring and
pastoral care significantly affects the chances of an
apprentice or trainee completing their qualification. DFEEST
will work with industry and employers to develop a range of
mentoring initiatives targeting disadvantaged groups, as
well as apprentices and trainees training in skills
shortage areas.
Page 35

36. UPSKILLING EXISTING WORKERS
Jobs Strategy Projects Environmental Sustainability
As part of its Jobs Strategy, the South Australian As part of the government’s 100 000 Jobs Strategy,
government, in partnership with the Commonwealth, has $500 000 has been allocated to sustainable industries
committed to creating 100 000 training places over six experiencing rapid growth to provide training in part
years from 2010-11, and upskilling existing workers to meet qualifications for existing workers. This includes $200 000
changing workforce needs is a key part of that strategy. for Grid Connect training for solar panel installations with
over 185 electricians undertaking the training. A sum of
New industries and emerging skill demand sectors have
$150 000 will assist Suzlon Energy Australia to devise wind
driven the allocation of the additional training places to
turbine maintenance training to support their current
ensure that South Australia has the right education and
workforce and $150 000 has been allocated to the Berri
training system.
Barmera Council to train staff in the installation of a
The department has funded a total of 14 specific projects subsurface irrigation system across 52 hectares of council
supporting 1018 people to gain training in a variety of parks and gardens.
industry sectors.
Productivity Places Program for Existing Workers
Plans for 2012
The PPP is a Commonwealth government initiative to
Skills in the Workplace is Skills for All’s approach to tailored
deliver $156 million of training for existing workers and job
training and workforce development responses for
seekers in areas of high skills demand.
industry. Skills shortages in key industry sectors and
In 2011, DFEEST allocated around $44.8 million of PPP companies in the supply chains for critical projects and
funding toward almost 12 500 existing worker infrastructure investments will be targeted with training
qualifications. Furthermore, from 1 July 2011 an additional subsidies, with small to medium-sized enterprises a
$4.2 million of PPP funding supported additional User particular focus. Depending on the size of their workforce,
Choice existing worker traineeship positions under businesses will be eligible for up to 90 percent of their
Contracts of Training. These PPP-funded trainees are training costs towards qualifications, and skill sets, at
undertaking higher level qualifications (Certificate IV and Certificate IV and above to support their employees. Both
above) where User Choice funding would not otherwise complete qualifications and tailored combinations of units
be available. of competency will be funded. Program design and early
implementation was completed by the end of
Industry Partnership Program December 2011.
The Industry Partnership Program concluded as an
individual program in July 2011; however it has been
absorbed into the Skills in the Workplace program.
The program worked closely with industry sectors to
develop a workforce that has the right skills, in the right
place and at the right time by creating employment and
training opportunities that are industry-led and
demand-driven. Skills in the Workplace
Projects developed under the Industry Partnership Program will fund training
brokered and managed workforce development programs critically required by
that recruited, inducted, trained and retained industry for more than
underemployed and/or unemployed people in
South Australia.
2000 SA workers.
Successful proposals, demonstrating matched funding from
industry, were funded on a contractual basis.
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37. OUR PERFORMANCE
ASSISTANCE FOR RETRENCHED WORKERS
DFEEST supported 194 workers through the Retrenched As at 30 November 2011:
Workers Program who were retrenched from Bridgestone - 163 workers had registered to access services
and Kimberly-Clark Australia during 2011. - 103 accessed or are accessing training support
DFEEST is managing the Labour Market Adjustment
- 32 workers who accessed training achieved full
program, utilising expertise in the Limestone Coast Career
AQF qualifications
Development Centre and the National Industry Skills
Council, Forestworks. - 60 individuals gained employment.
Services include:
- skill recognition and career planning
- job search assistance
- referral for skills and vocational training, as well as
licences and tickets which are fully funded under
the program
- employment brokerage.
Page 37

38. TAFE SA - INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
TAFE SA acknowledges the important contribution industry In 2011, TAFE SA also developed and maintained
has in assisting TAFE SA to construct and deliver VET that is relationships with:
current and relevant, to develop and maintain a highly - Woolworths and Service Skills SA, with the first ten
skilled workforce. Our partnerships with employers are Diploma of Retail Management PPP
essential to our success. participants graduating
- the Adelaide Health Service Registered Training
OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks Organisation and the Department of Health, for the
upskilling of weekly paid workers in the Certificate III
Over many years TAFE SA has developed a close strategic and IV qualifications in health
relationship with the OneSteel Whyalla Steelworks. This
partnership has produced many industry-leading VET - the Repatriation General Hospital, Flinders Medical
programs and helped to develop OneSteel’s workforce. The Centre and the Calvary Health Care Group, with
‘Critical Safety Training Centre’, located at Whyalla, is a successful Productivity Places Program existing
formal partnership with OneSteel who train all of their staff worker funding for the Certificate III, IV, Diploma
in the facility using joint resources and staff. Another and Advanced Diploma.
partnership initiative with OneSteel is the development of a
‘Technician Certificate’, a tailored trade certificate not only
providing a customised solution, but supporting the Regional Development
government’s national agenda for higher level qualifications. The delivery of the innovative Smart E-Skills program used
existing relationships with Regional Development Australia
(RDA) board across the state and built further relationships
South Australian Wine Industry
with organisations such as Women in Business and
The South Australian wine industry is a major contributor to Regional Development in the South East of the state. The
the state’s economy in export and tourism earnings. program was jointly marketed and provided opportunities
TAFE SA has worked in close partnership with the industry for small to medium-sized enterprises across all industry
over many years, developing a noteworthy client list sectors to develop skills in the use of the internet. The
including: Yalumba, Constellation Wines, Pernod Ricard, program was delivered through face-to-face workshops,
Treasury Wine Estates, Peter Lehmann Wines, Vinpac one-to-one mentoring, and follow-up online services. Smart-
International and Angove Family Winemakers; 95 percent of E-Skills was enthusiastically received by participants, resulting
students enrolled in Certificate III or higher wine-related in the delivery of the program to 1174 enterprises across
qualifications are working within the industry. Training the state.
programs are customised to meet industry requirements
and currently 39 percent of training is delivered within
the workplace. Arts
The TAFE SA Adelaide College of the Arts (AC Arts) has an
active industry board which represents the arts sector.
Industry Reference Groups
Members, appointed by the Minister and Chair, participate
TAFE SA established industry reference groups regionally to in industry reference panels based on their respective areas
provide direct advice on industry skill needs (current and of knowledge. During 2011, AC Arts fostered new
emerging) and the relevance and currency of training and partnership arrangements with the Australian Dance
assessment processes. These groups include representatives Theatre, the State Theatre Company, Country Arts SA and
from industry peak bodies, private registered training the Hill Smith Gallery. One key outcome was the
organisations, Job Services Australia providers, not-for-profit opportunity for TAFE SA students to partner with the
organisations and small to medium-sized enterprises. Advice Australian Dance Theatre for the performance
from these groups provides valuable business intelligence of ‘Worldhood’.
that enhances existing quality assurance strategies and
ensures informed decision-making processes.
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39. OUR PERFORMANCE
Engineering and Automotive Industries Hair and Beauty
TAFE SA collaborated with Clipsal to produce a progressive The Limestone Coast Hair and Beauty Competition,
electrical engineering program, teaching its apprentices to organised by TAFE SA and in its 18th year, is another
use the latest C-Bus Technology. C-Bus is Australia’s market- example of long-standing and successful industry
leading energy management system for industrial projects engagement. Each year the competition grows in
and residential homes. The TAFE SA School of Electrical participation and audience, attracting an average of 100
Engineering Certificate III curriculum included a C-Bus competitors and an audience of 800. The cost of staging the
course for the first time, with the program completed by 56 event is fully covered by sponsors and entrance fees, and
apprentices as an elective unit of competency as part of the any profit is used to support students to attend the National
students’ off-the-job training. Hair and Beauty Expos.
TAFE SA Automotive training introduced the latest Over 20 TAFE SA Hair and Beauty lecturers and students
technology and state-of-the-art equipment thanks to Toyota from metropolitan and regional campuses worked
Motor Corporation Australia and Kawasaki Australia, who backstage, creating the hair and make-up looks for five of
generously donated vehicles to the value of over $100 000. the Adelaide Fashion Festival parades. During the festival,
Two top-of-the-range vehicles, a Land Cruiser Prado Kakadu the TAFE SA Fashion program also presented three parades.
and the popular Toyota Corolla Ascent, will give Certificate II Sponsored by Attitude Magazine, the parades showcased
to Diploma in Automotive Retail Services and Repair the final year Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design and
students access to new electrical engine technology and Technology students’ graduation collection.
electronic aids. A Kawasaki ER60 motorcycle that uses the
latest fuel-injected engine management system, ABS braking
system and cassette-type transmission was also donated.
Defence
TAFE SA welcomed new families of the Australian Defence
Force to South Australia at the Defence Community
Organisation Welcome Expo, as part of a major relocation
of the 7RAR Battalion from Darwin to Adelaide. The expo
attracted over 1000 Australian Defence Force members and
their families.
Over the past two years, TAFE SA has worked with the
Australian Submarine Corporation and Air Warfare
Destroyer Alliance to establish a pre-employment welder
evaluation program. The innovative program was
developed to identify specific skill gaps in students, and then
conducted targeted training to equip welders with the skills
needed to gain employment in the defence industry.
Design
During December 2011, TAFE SA Visual Merchandising staff
and students spent a week at Myer City to assist in the set-up
of Christmas displays within the store. This exercise involved
not only installing the décor, but also creating
merchandising gift stories throughout a range of
departments. The store was later judged the ‘best presented Celebrity hairdresser and make-up artist
Myer store nationally’. Dale Dorning led TAFE SA’s Hair and
Beauty session styling team at the 2011
Adelaide Fashion Festival.
Page 39

40. 3.3 Providing Opportunities for All
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goal 3
SOUTH AUSTRALIA WORKS
South Australia Works - Working Regions Program engaged Plans for 2012
and supported people who faced barriers to learning,
During the 2011-12 financial year, DFEEST will invest
training and work by delivering flexible and responsive
$6.4 million to implement South Australia Works Action
initiatives tailored to the specific needs of individuals,
Plans across the whole of the state. Over 10 200 people will
communities, regions, industries and employers.
participate in SA Works regional projects. Of these, over
Career development services provided through the 5650 will participate in employment programs with over
department’s regional program supported and assisted 2940 gaining a job, and 4550 will progress along pathways
individuals to make informed choices about education, to employment, including learning, training and skills
training and work, and facilitated planned pathways and development. Projects will provide opportunities for people
successful transitions to learning and work. to access training and a combination of case management,
In 2010-11, DFEEST, through regional projects, provided mentoring and post-employment support while gaining
over 7600 learning, skills development training and work valuable work experience, and benefitting from employers’
opportunities to people facing difficulty entering the commitments to provide jobs.
workforce, with over 3800 people gaining employment.
Regional strategic planning, strengthened by the
development of evidence-based three-year Strategic Plans,
provided a robust response to the labour force needs of
local labour markets. Over 800 people, including
representatives from industry, communities and
government, attended stakeholder forums to identify priority
areas which increased participation in learning, training
and work.
In addition, DFEEST, in conjunction with Commonwealth
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations (DEEWR), facilitated a Regions Forum attended by
over 120 regional partners and stakeholders to align
Commonwealth, state and local/regional efforts on training
and workforce participation.
DFEEST’s regional coordinators worked with the South
Australia Works networks to respond to each region’s
unique learning, training and employment challenges. The
networks bring together the three tiers of government,
employers, industry, education and training providers, the
non-government sector and community organisations,
enabling decision-making in local communities.
The establishment of six Career Development Practitioner
networks in the Barossa, Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island,
Riverland, Northern and Southern Adelaide has enhanced
the existing 17 regional career development services. The
services support and complement the locally tailored
participation projects delivered in state government regions.
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41. OUR PERFORMANCE
ABORIGINAL TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
DFEEST’s Aboriginal employment programs build the Aboriginal Access Centre
capacity of employers to increase and sustain the Through the Aboriginal Access Centre, TAFE SA provided
employment of Aboriginal people, and build the capacity of Aboriginal people with access to VET and supported
Aboriginal people to gain and sustain employment. This students from unemployment to VET to employment.
activity responds to the COAG and SASP targets which aim The Aboriginal Access Centre, in partnership with mining
to halve the gap in employment outcomes between company OZ Minerals (Prominent Hill), has successfully
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people by 2018. developed and delivered numerous customised Aboriginal
The unemployment rate for Aboriginal people in South pre-employment training programs. These programs have
Australia was 26.6 percent in 2010, compared to the produced 51 mining graduates, 40 of whom are now
unemployment rate for non-Aboriginal people of locally employed by OZ Minerals. In recognition of these
5.2 percent. (see figure 9). achievements, OZ Minerals was recently presented with the
2011 South Australia Premier’s Social Inclusion in Mining
DFEEST Aboriginal participation brokers have a visible and Energy Award for Excellence in Community Programs.
presence on the ground in regions and local communities
that have high numbers of Aboriginal people who are TAFE SA has also partnered with ETSA Utilities and the
disengaged from and not participating in learning, training Aboriginal Access Centre to develop an industry-specific
or work. The brokers facilitated strategic and operational training facility at Port Augusta. The ETSA Training Facility
solutions to local training and employment needs, in was created to provide training for ETSA powerline worker
particular, to prepare Aboriginal people for local jobs apprentices and is aimed at increasing base-level training for
identified by employers. Under the Workforce Participation Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the region, and
in Government Construction Procurement Policy, ‘up to more specifically to increase opportunities for those students
2 percent’ of the total labour hours were allocated to to be employed by ETSA Utilities.
Aboriginal people on government construction projects.
Aboriginal Apprenticeship Mentoring
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Mentoring program worked
with private providers, Group Training Organisations, Job
Network Providers, employment service providers and RTOs
to identify and place Aboriginal participants into
employment. Twelve apprentices, 25 trainees, and 11
school-based participants have been placed to date.
Figure 9: Unemployment rates for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal South Aus-
tralians
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42. Aboriginal Employers Industry Champions Network Learning and Employment Outcomes
DFEEST, in partnership with the Commonwealth DFEEST improved learning and employment outcomes for
government, engaged with industry to support Aboriginal 2409 Aboriginal people by providing support, job training,
employment and training, with the key objective to develop work placements, recruitment leadership training, career
and support an industry-led strategy. enhancement, traineeships and apprenticeships. Of the
Twenty-six senior business leaders across the state 2409 Aboriginal people who participated in DFEEST work
participated in the Aboriginal Employers Industry programs, 1218 gained employment.
Champions Network (AEICN), which promotes and In 2011, there were 4953 Aboriginal VET students in South
supports this work. The Minister for Employment, Higher Australia, 3.5 percent of total VET students. This was higher
Education and Skills sponsors this group, which includes than the population share of 1.7 percent and represented a
prominent business and community leaders. significant increase in participation of almost 20 percent
Industry clusters, established by the AEICN in 2010, in the since 2003.
areas of Retail, Advanced Manufacturing, Community Four percent of all participants in PPP were Aboriginal and/
Services, Hospitality, Professional Services, Sports and or Torres Strait Islander people. As at June 2011, six percent
Recreation, and Energy and Water have attracted of all PPP Job Seeker enrolments have been Aboriginal
$1.8 million in Commonwealth and state funding. participants as well as three percent of PPP Existing
The industry clusters have built the capacity of employers Worker enrolments.
and industry to increase and sustain the employment of
Aboriginal people. Connecting Aboriginal People to Mining Plans for 2012
(CAPM) is another example of the collaborative approach
taken with industry. In 2010-11, CAPM assisted 41 DFEEST will continue to deliver programs, services and
Aboriginal people to gain employment at OZ Minerals, Iluka, support to Aboriginal people, with a greater focus on
BHP Billiton and with contractors supporting the pathways to learning, training and workforce participation.
mining sector. Over 1310 Aboriginal people will participate in employment
programs, with 856 to gain a job, and a further 1300 will
participate in learning, training and skill development
National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous programs. Through the PPP, 2.5 percent of participants will
Public Internet Access be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders.
Through the Commonwealth of Australian Governments To achieve the SASP target, an additional 520 Aboriginal
(COAG) National Partnership Agreement on Remote people will need to gain and sustain employment every year
Indigenous Public Internet Access (2009-2013), Indigenous in the South Australian workforce, and a further 250 will
people in two remote communities, Oodnadatta and need to undertake training (2008-2018).
Marree, have been provided with improved community
based telecommunications, internet access, and training in
computer and internet use. Services in Yalata, Amata and
Mimili in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY)
Lands will be in place by April 2012.
Pika-Wiya Learning Centre
In the area of Aboriginal health, TAFE SA has worked for
many years in collaboration with various communities and
groups. A particularly strong partnership has been with
Pika-Wiya Learning Centre at Port Augusta, a service which
provides learning opportunities and support for Aboriginal
people to develop employment in the health industry.
Tauondi Aboriginal College
The Tauondi Aboriginal College, an independent, Aboriginal
owned and operated organisation, funded by DFEEST,
provided 752 Aboriginal people with accredited or non-
accredited training and played a significant role in building
the confidence, capacity and capability of the state’s
Aboriginal community.
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43. OUR PERFORMANCE
BUILDING FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM ABILITIES FOR ALL
The Building Family Opportunities program, a four-year Abilities for All, a partnership program with Bedford
social inclusion ‘demonstration program’ (2010-2014) Industries and community centres, targets participants with
funded through the Department of the Premier and a disability who are disconnected from their communities,
Cabinet, breaks the cycle of long-term family joblessness and have multiple barriers to learning and employment, have
demonstrates that intensive case management can result in low literacy and numeracy skills and need assistance to
education, training and employment outcomes for achieve their true potential.
disadvantaged families. Participants were provided with a combination of
A range of government and non-government agencies accredited and non-accredited training, work experience
refer families to the program. Intensive case management is and on-the-job training; high and complex needs were
provided to families with complex needs in three local addressed through wrap-around services and support.
government areas by three non-government organisations: Welfare dependent, hard-to-reach learners were engaged
UnitingCare Wesley in Port Adelaide Enfield, Centacare on a pathway to training and employment. Participants,
Catholic Family Services in Playford and UnitingCare Wesley ranging from 18 to 65 years, had a physical, intellectual or a
in Port Augusta. psychiatric disability, limited schooling, specific learning
The program brought together long-term jobless families, difficulties including low literacy and numeracy levels, and
local community organisations, government and employers lacked the confidence and life management skills to
and found solutions to complex issues that prevent families participate in mainstream training activities.
from participating in employment. In 2010-11, 217 people with a disability participated in the
The program has attracted an additional $1.5 million from program, 75 gained employment and 203 completed a
the Commonwealth government’s Family Centred Certificate II in Business or Community Services.
Employment Project (FCEP) and will assist an additional
65 families living in the western region over three
years (2010-2013). Plans for 2012
In the first 18 months, the program has improved the lives The Abilities for All program will provide 160 people with
of over 330 highly complex jobless families, which consisted disability a combination of accredited training, learner
of over 1000 individual family members, including children support and work experience, with 70 participants to gain a
and dependents; the majority of these were single parent job.
families. 112 families identified as Aboriginal, comprising
77 percent of families in Port Adelaide Enfield, 57.5 percent An e-learning trial through community centres located in
of families in Port Augusta and 34 percent of families Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Berri will enable 15 participants
in Playford. to access electronic training packages and complete a
Certificate II in Business or Community Services.
An across-government Senior Coordination Group, with
representation from state government and the
Commonwealth government will continue to address
systemic issues, with Local Coordination Groups ensuring
that issues specific to disadvantaged families in the local
community are addressed throughout the duration of
the program.
Plans for 2012
The target of working with 400 families during 2010-2014
increased to 465 families when the Commonwealth
government invested $1.5 million FCEP funding to expand
the program at Port Adelaide. A minimum of 40 percent will
be single parent families, 30 percent will be couple parent
families and 30 percent will be Aboriginal families.
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44. ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION
ACE is the community learning gateway for people wanting Plans for 2012
to participate in learning and further training and who face The ACE program will continue to provide an important
social and economic barriers to formal participation. ACE outreach pathway for attracting and re-engaging people
provided learning programs in a supportive community who are disengaged/disadvantaged because of low levels
setting, and delivered accredited training and non- of literacy and numeracy skills, and not ready or able to
accredited learning programs for working-age adults participate in institutional learning.
(17 years and over) through not-for-profit
community-based organisations. There will be 14 290 people participating in ACE programs,
including 2200 people in foundation skills programs, funded
The ACE program funded training that promoted through the Jobs Strategy.
foundational skills development and increased literacy and
numeracy skills. All delivery through ACE had a vocational The ACE sector will be further strengthened as a fourth
intent with increased focus on articulated pathways into sector of education, and will build on the ability of the sector
VET. A comprehensive approach to digital literacy to engage marginalised population groups, and enable
foundation skills addressed the barriers to online more training to be delivered to more people experiencing
participation through the community. barriers to participation in their local community. This will
include development of a new curriculum used for the
In 2010-11, 11 470 people participated in 93 ACE projects. delivery of non-accredited and accredited training through
Funding allocated through a competitive grants process the ACE sector, and supporting the professional
supported accredited courses, non-accredited learning and development of ACE providers, particularly through training
workforce development delivered by not-for-profit in Certificate IV in Language, Literacy and Numeracy
community-based education and training providers. Assessment and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
ACE program funding supported:
- Multi-Literacies projects, which focused on a range
of key literacies (e.g. prose literacy, finance literacy,
computer literacy) SKILLING JOB SEEKERS THROUGH THE PRODUCTIVITY
- Foundation Skills projects, which delivered PLACES PROGRAM
accredited training that addressed barriers to As mentioned previously, the PPP delivers training for
successful participation by individuals in formal existing workers and job seekers in areas of high skill
education, training and work demand.
- Transitions projects, which featured partnerships The 2011 Job Seeker round was allocated in December
between community organisations and TAFE SA 2010, with $13.85 million allocated to fund over 4500
that assisted adults to make successful transitions qualifications. To date 81 percent of students have enrolled
from non-formal to formal learning and and 35 percent of students have obtained a
achievement of a post-school qualification final qualification.
- Workforce Development projects, which increased
the capacity of the ACE sector to deliver training
through professional development.
At least $6.4 million 2010 Jobs Strategy funding, invested
over the six years, will increase the delivery of foundation
skills and the development of stronger pathways between
ACE and the VET system.
The Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access Project in
Oodnadatta expanded opportunities for remotely located
Aboriginal communities to participate in the digital
economy. The project provided free public computer and
internet access and a training program.
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45. OUR PERFORMANCE
TAFE SA - LEARNING PATHWAYS under a VET in Schools Agreement in partnership with
industry, and schools purchasing directly from TAFE SA.
Learning pathways are an important part of ensuring
individuals have the assistance to help them succeed in their In November 2010, the Commonwealth government
chosen field. TAFE SA has numerous partnerships in place allocated funding to construct a purpose-built training
with schools and universities to provide direction and to facility at Umuwa on the APY Lands. The facility, due for
maximise opportunities for students. completion in 2012, will be used by eight schools with
students receiving training in weekly blocks. During 2011,
TAFE SA aims to maximise educational outcomes for all consultative and collaborative negotiation was ongoing
learners and particularly for those who need additional between TAFE SA, DECD (the lead agency on the project)
support to succeed in education and training. A significant and the Anangu schools to further develop the range and
amount of activity occurred during 2011 to assist learners to depth of VET on the APY Lands in readiness for the Trade
achieve their potential. Training Centre. In 2011, TAFE SA provided training for APY
TAFE SA Information and Student Services provides ongoing Lands school-based staff with 12 completing the
information, support and career counselling to the school Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, further enhancing
sector through a number of presentations held each year the delivery of VET pathway offerings.
including Career Expo’s, Open Days and one-to-one career In 2011, TAFE SA purchased, through a Commonwealth
guidance. TAFE SA continually promote pathways between government grant worth $745 000, a new range of mobile
the education sectors and actively engage with higher mining equipment to equip TAFE SA with up-to-date
education to create and facilitate pathways for exiting TAFE training tools for the mining and civil industries. The multi-
SA students to ensure they take advantage of the purpose equipment included a Skid-Steer, Front-End Loader,
articulation and credit arrangements with the Forklift and Back-Hoe made fully mobile with a truck. The
university sector. equipment can be transported around the state to train
The annual TAFE SA Open Day, held in August, provided wherever demand is. Collaborating with regional schools,
prospective students with the opportunity to obtain the mining equipment is able to be used by eligible school
information on courses and speak with lecturers. This year students at Trade Training Centres.
the Open Day coincided with Tertiary Week, with the three TAFE SA also had a long-term partnership with the Young
South Australian universities also conducting open Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and in 2011 they invited
day activities. TAFE SA Workplace Education Services to help deliver the
In Semester 2, 2011, a range of VET Tasters was purchased first accredited training component of the South Australian
by the Department of Education and Child Development Youth Parliament Program since the first program was held
(DECD) with funding received from the Commonwealth in the Legislative Council in 1995. Participants gained
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace valuable TAFE SA training in public speaking, Bill
Relations (DEEWR) Partnership Broker Eyre Futures. development and parliamentary process and etiquette. The
TAFE SA, in using a mix of face-to-face and online accredited training in two units of competency ‘Work
methodology, was able to offer training in Conservation Effectively with Others’ and ‘Communicate in the
and Land Management, and Community Services and Workplace’ enabled participants to complete SACE
Health. Negotiations are still underway to provide training components. TAFE SA received excellent feedback from
for some school-based trainers. YMCA for its responsiveness and flexibility within a very tight
timeline to participate in the program.
The Riverland Trade Training Centre, which opened on 17
November 2011, was conceived by a consortium of the Learner Support Services (LSS), being trialled by TAFE SA
four Riverland schools: Glossop, Waikerie, Renmark and lecturers as part of Skills for All, aims to address students in
Loxton. The consortium chose TAFE SA as a partner and vocational programs who are at risk of non-completion and
allocated $4 million to the acquisition of new equipment who are experiencing significant barriers that impact on
and refurbishment of the existing Manufacturing, their learning. The service provides students with the
Engineering and Transport workshop at Berri. The funds will necessary support to be successful in their studies and links
enable the delivery of full Certificate III qualifications in them with relevant agencies (where necessary) to address
Engineering, Electrical and Automotive trades, enabling personal issues that may be providing a barrier to learning.
apprentices to complete their trades locally. The ultimate These services may include an assessment of requirements,
result: a smoother transition from school to school-based personal support, advocacy within and external to TAFE SA,
apprenticeship to full apprenticeship without any travel learning case management, study skills support, career
costs to the city for training. planning/guidance, work placements and
transition support.
Schools across the APY Lands have embraced the
opportunity to access and incorporate VET in their
curriculum offerings. VET is offered in a range of ways on
the APY Lands including: delivery by the school under a VET
in Schools Agreement arrangement with TAFE SA, offered
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46. TAFE SA has also implemented a cutting-edge Applied Blokes-On-The-Block – Playford Alive Program
Learning Model as a collaborative approach between This 13-week program targeted at long-term unemployed
program lecturers and Language, Literacy and Numeracy men is designed to focus on the developmental needs of
lecturers. The model provides targeted language, literacy the individuals. Participants designed, planned and created
and numeracy services to students with specific learning a sustainable garden in the front yard of a Housing SA
needs. This model has meant that often two lecturers are property in the Playford Alive development. This initiative
working with a group of students simultaneously, providing served as a tool for engaging the local community to learn
students with technical training expertise as well as practice about sustainable gardening practices for potential
and positive learning support. Success of the model is implementation in their own residences. Literacy and
evidenced by an increase in completion rates. numeracy support for all participants was provided by
TAFE SA is working closely with a number of key TAFE SA and specialist lecturers were brought in for the
stakeholders in the northern Adelaide region, including the gardening and landscaping components.
City of Playford, the Land Management Corporation, the
Northern Connections Office and DFEEST, through South Indigenous Horse Skill Training
Australia Works in the Regions, to look at training
opportunities for targeted groups in a number of areas. This pilot program offered by TAFE SA’s Horse Skill Centre, in
These target groups include young people who are out of partnership with the RDA Murraylands and Riverland Board,
school and not participating in learning, training and Aboriginal Access Centre and the Murray Bridge Racing
employment; mature aged people; Aboriginal people; Club, delivered successful outcomes with all students
people with a disability; women; migrants and refugees. completing their Certificate I in Racing. Participants were
provided with pastoral care mentors, along with practical
components delivered at the Murray Bridge Racing Club.
Woolworth’s Pre-employment Program
Woolworths contracted DFEEST and TAFE SA to establish a
pre-employment program for new supermarkets opened in
the northern suburbs. This program commenced in May
2011 with 40 participants and an expected 20 employment
opportunities. The program is also supported by DEEWR
and is an excellent example of local networks collaborating
to provide a positive outcome for the community.
Powerful Pathways for Women
Established to provide female job seekers from the northern
Adelaide region with opportunities to gain a suite of
qualifications, this program offered a potential pathway to
employment through the 2011 ETSA apprenticeship intake.
Further educational pathways were also planned as a key
target for the program. Participants undertook the
Certificate I in Electro-technology, Certificate I in Information
Technology and Certificate II in Women’s Education.
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47. OUR PERFORMANCE
TAFE SA also developed and maintained relationships with: During 2011, a number of initiatives were implemented to
provide support for students with disabilities, including:
- Interwork Ltd, Woolworths, South Australia Works,
Northern Futures and the Wyatt Benevolent - an AC Arts Dance lecturer was placed with the
Institution to deliver a retail pre-employment Restless Dance Company. This lecturer
program targeted at people with disabilities in choreographed a series of performances
northern Adelaide accompanied by several Bachelor of Performing
Arts dance students; one of the performances held
- The Migrant Resource Centre, with 35 PPP
was nominated to tour Papua New Guinea in 2012
participants completing the Certificate II in Retail
- a film and television lecturer delivered the
- The Adelaide Women’s Prison with 10 PPP
Certificate II in Media to two highly successful
participants completing the Certificate II in Retail
disabled students
- The Lyell McEwin Health Service by membership of
- an AC Arts Acting lecturer provided work
the Aboriginal Cadetship Reference Group; with
placement opportunities for disabled persons
the first Indigenous student from this program
wanting to observe acting voice and speech classes
graduating in September 2011.
and rehearsal sessions.
TAFE SA Community Services and Health had a partnership
A further example of improving access and equity outcomes
with the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre to deliver the
is a program to train Aboriginal nurses on the Eyre
Certificate III Community Services Work for 15 volunteers at
Peninsula. This project, a partnership between TAFE SA, the
the centre. The delivery was a partnership of TAFE SA
Aboriginal Access Centre, state and Commonwealth
lecturers and centre staff, qualified as assessors. All
governments, the Regional Health Services and job service
volunteers completed their qualification with several
providers, not only increases the number of Aboriginal
transitioning to continue their studies in Certificate IV
health professionals within the community, but also
Community Services and some gaining entry to university to
provides invaluable role models to assist in improving the
study social work.
overall health of Aboriginal people in the region.
TAFE SA Community Services and Health also had an
TAFE SA has provided English language services to migrants
Auspice Agreement with the Hackham West Community
under the Adult Migrant English Program with the
Centre to deliver the Certificate III Children’s Services for
Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship
15 volunteers at the crèche at the centre. Course delivery
(DIC) since 2003. In July 2011, TAFE SA was advised they
was a partnership of TAFE SA lecturers and centre staff,
were successful in being the only provider to offer this
qualified as assessors. All volunteers have completed
training for migrants under a new contract until 2014.
their qualification.
TAFE SA partnered with ZeroWaste SA to develop a
TAFE SA has delivered ‘Apply First Aid’ to students learning
teaching resource for non-English speaking people called
English as a Second Language since 2004 and now has a
‘Recycle Right’. An increased number of residents have
partnership with the Australian Red Cross to deliver the
come from countries where recycling simply does not exist
training, through gaining accreditation for some lecturing
or where they may not have bins. Recycle Right helps to
staff as Red Cross trainers. More than 500 students from
improve householders’ knowledge of what can and cannot
many nationalities have gained a certificate in First Aid. The
be placed into the kerbside recycling and green organics
course has provided pathways to employment and further
bins and the correct preparation of items before they are
study as well as enabling students to assist their ethnic
placed in the recycling bin. TAFE SA was involved in piloting
communities and ensure the safety of their families.
the materials with nine classes of students learning English
as a second language.
During 2011, the TAFE SA Apprentice Kickstart
Pre-Apprenticeship project saw 75 disadvantaged people
TAFE SA and the Australian Football League (AFL) charity
work towards a mechanical and engineering
organisation, Ladder, are collaborating to provide training in
trade apprenticeship.
cookery and hospitality to formerly homeless youths, which
will enable them to source employment opportunities in the
AC Arts supported and encouraged TAFE SA Arts lecturers
industry. Participants undertake training at TAFE SA in
to broaden their connection with the disability community.
hospitality and basic cookery and also gain work placements
at Adelaide’s leading hotels and restaurants. Students
receive mentoring from past and present AFL players and
elite female athletes as part of the program. The students
will gain training in the Certificate II in Hospitality and basic
cookery level, which links into the skill shortages in the
hospitality industry in kitchen and food services areas.
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48. TAFE SA 2010 Statistics 1
Figure 9: TAFE SA Students by Major Course Field of Education
1
Please note that 2011 data had not yet been finalised at time of the report being prepared
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49. OUR PERFORMANCE
Figure 10:TAFE SA Students by Age Group
Figure 11: TAFE SA Students by Australian Qualifications Framework Level
Page 49

50. 3.4 Building World-Class Infrastructure
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goals 4 and 6
The vocational training needs of South Australians are The development will also see the Business Services and
changing over time as a result of changes in the economy Health and Community Services programs (at both the
and community. Accordingly, there is a need for changes Panorama and Adelaide City campuses in 2011)
to TAFE SA program delivery to ensure that training consolidate at the Adelaide City campus in the heart of the
demand is matched with supply. central business district, ultimately creating a centre for
excellence in Business Services. In addition to improved
There are also changes to the VET system underway with accessibility, students who currently study business at the
Skills for All that will mean that more funds will be made ageing and inefficient Panorama campus will reap the
contestable with an increased level of competition for benefits of studying in a modern facility that will enhance
publicly funded training. their learning experience. The contemporary design of the
new learning spaces at the Adelaide City campus will
Consequently, the department, together with TAFE SA, provide student facilities that are modern, comfortable and
must adapt and respond to these changes, which require incorporate the latest technology.
program consolidation and infrastructure development.
International Student Services, who currently do not have a
To ensure that the state’s training infrastructure is up to presence on the ground floor, will be relocated in a
date, since 2008 the South Australian government (in refurbished area that meets the specific needs of the
combination with Commonwealth funds) has made the workgroup in an easily accessible location.
single biggest investment ever in TAFE SA, committing
more than $200 million to upgrades and new facilities.
The focus for these infrastructure investments is to ensure RIVERLAND TRADE TRAINING CENTRE
TAFE SA can meet changing demand and compete in the The Berri TAFE SA campus recently opened its Trade
new vocational training system, including: Training Centre. This is part of the Riverland Trade Training
- developing centres of excellence for specific Centre, a consortium of the four Riverland Schools,
industries to include access to the most up-to-date Waikerie, Renmark, Loxton and Glossop, in partnership
equipment and industry specialists all in the one with TAFE SA.
location. Examples include industries such as
Building at Tonsley Park and Hospitality at Regency The upgrade of the TAFE SA Berri Campus workshop will
give full apprenticeship opportunities in Automotive,
- improving local and regional campuses to provide Fitting/Machining, Fabrication Welding and Electrical, all
ready access for students and to provide a focus now offered locally reducing the need to travel to Adelaide
for training and advice for the community. This for training. A state-of-the-art renewable energy centre,
includes having the information and resources with solar and wind power training, is also a feature.
necessary to assist new and continuing students
as well as acting as assessment and referral The facilities will herald a new era in cooperation between
centres. the four Riverland High Schools, TAFE SA Regional and
other training providers that promises to bring
considerable benefits to school students and local industry
in the Riverland.
ADELAIDE CITY
An example is the new development at the Adelaide City
campus in existing under-utilised space that offers a
‘shop front’ service to students. This incorporated the
creation of a new Client Services area providing a
shopfront at the Currie Street entrance for current and
prospective students to obtain career path and course
information, vocational preparation, and recognition of
prior learning advice as well as being able to enrol in
TAFE SA.
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51. OUR PERFORMANCE
INDUSTRY AND INDIGENOUS SKILLS CENTRE PROGRAM SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIES EDUCATION CENTRE (SIEC)
DFEEST helped applicants in South Australia to secure A further response to ageing TAFE SA infrastructure
$1.5 million funding in 2011 through the Commonwealth involved $125 million provided by the South Australian
Industry and Indigenous Skills Centre (IISC) program government to establish the Sustainable Industries
(formerly known as the National Training Infrastructure Education Centre (SIEC) at the 58-hectare Tonsley Park
Program). The program consists of two streams: (i) Industry Redevelopment site.
Skills Centres; and (ii) VET Infrastructure for
Indigenous People. The project encompasses three key elements:
1. Consolidation of metropolitan Building and
The Commonwealth government, through DEEWR, Construction training delivery at the Tonsley Park
competitively funded the program on a financial year basis Redevelopment site
to the value of $11 million, with a matching industry 2. Divestment of campuses at Panorama, O’Halloran
contribution for successful IISC applicants. Hill, and Marleston
The primary purpose of the program is to fund the 3. Consolidation of non-Building and Construction
building, refurbishing and expansion of VET training programs from divested campuses at other
facilities, including the purchase of mobile and simulation metropolitan campuses.
equipment to deliver accredited VET that directly leads to
and supports the development of state-identified industry SIEC will consolidate Building and Construction programs
and community VET skills requirements. from five metropolitan campuses into a single delivery
point, incorporating shared learning and support spaces
The projects approved this year were the Construction with universities and industry partners. This is the first time a
Industry Training Centre, Kalka and Career tripartite approach has been taken for a TAFE SA facility in
Employment Group. South Australia, and possibly Australia.
The SIEC is on schedule for training delivery to commence
at Tonsley Park from early 2014. Its purpose is to improve
MOUNT GAMBIER sustainability research and design through linkages
between our universities, education and training services,
DFEEST and TAFE SA opened the Solar and Domestic and the Building and Construction industry that relies on
Wind Turbine Installation and Grid Connect Training both sectors. SIEC will transform training in the building,
Centre at Mount Gambier in August 2011. This training construction and water industries and open the way to
facility was established in response to local industry incorporating more sustainable products, processes and
demand and TAFE SA’s commitment to environmental technology into future building projects.
sustainability. The centre offers facilities for electrical
contractors wanting to gain the necessary training to install The facility layout and infrastructure, both essential
solar panels and domestic wind turbines. The training site components of the learning framework, will be used to
allows for the installation of solar systems on a range of maximise opportunities for:
roof types, and incorporates three domestic wind turbines - cross-curriculum collaboration and multi-skilling
which suit a range of applications in regional South
Australia. Regional students in building and construction - thematic interdisciplinary approaches to complex
and pre-vocational electrical students were heavily involved problem solving
in the production of the training centre. - the use of ICT to support innovative approaches to
teaching and learning.
The innovative educational vision of SIEC requires an
appropriate infrastructure, one that will essentially reshape
the delivery of education and training to the Building and
Construction industries in the state. In this new model:
- co-located programs will maximise synergy and
opportunities for innovation between trades
- new partnerships and advisory arrangements will
ensure industries and enterprises have input into
SIEC’s management and are able to provide
advice on training and workforce
development needs
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52. - high-speed fibre network will provide an IT-rich VICTOR HARBOR TAFE SA CAMPUS
environment which will support:
The new Victor Harbor TAFE SA Campus, officially opened
- increased accessibility in March 2011, provides a hub for around 550 students in
- links to a network of existing courses including enrolled nursing, aged care, disability
services, business administration, hospitality and community
educational providers
services work. The position of the campus adjacent to the
- extensive e-learning resources, thus Victor Harbor High School, Victor Harbor Council Library
promoting autonomy and and Encounter Centre enhances the existing
self-directed learning educational precinct.
- there will be space for industry to demonstrate
new products and services and deliver The state-of-the-art facilities include sustainable design as a
sustainability related training programs centrepiece of the construction methodology. The campus
includes energy efficient innovations such as an extensive
- industry’s onsite presence will facilitate stronger use of solar panels and energy efficient lighting and has a
TAFE SA/enterprise connections and enhance strong emphasis on water conservation. It was no surprise
trainer understanding of enterprise needs that the Victor Harbor TAFE SA campus was awarded the
- flexible design principles will allow areas to be Civic Trust Award - Urban category in November 2011.
reconfigured as teaching and learning
needs change.
The SIEC is not simply a building in which learning occurs;
it is an educational tool designed to demonstrate clean
technologies and to inspire and intrigue those who
observe its inner workings. The core of the building will be
transparent, enabling learners (and visitors) to watch the
intricacies of the pipe and electrical infrastructure. Learners
will be able to physically interact with their surroundings by
intervening in its operation and monitoring the impact of
their actions on building performance.
Key features of the design of this world-class facility include:
- demonstrator elements
- spatial efficiency / shared spaces
- minimised recurrent costs.
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53. OUR PERFORMANCE
The Victor Harbor TAFE SA campus was awarded the
Australian Civic Trust Award – Urban Category in November 2011.
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54. 3.5 Digital Economy and Technology
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goal 5
A range of ICT-related projects were completed in 2011 Priorities for 2012
with the following achievements:
Priorities relating to digital economy and technology align
- Premier’s Award in the category of Growing with the primary drivers of the Information Economy
Prosperity: AdamMax – Shining the Light on Agenda 2009-2014, the ‘3Cs’ (Connectivity, Capability and
Broadband Blackspots Content). They contribute to the achievement of a number
of SASP targets and address recommendations of the
- Premier’s Award in the category of Expanding
report by 2009 Thinker in Residence, Dr Genevieve Bell,
Opportunity: Remote Indigenous Public Access
entitled ‘Getting Connected, Staying Connected: Exploring
Project – Oodnadatta
South Australia’s Digital Futures’. The Digital Economy
- AdamMax: Completion of the AdamMax Project priorities acknowledge and complement the department’s
providing fixed wireless broadband access to wide focus on productivity and participation in
blackspot areas in metropolitan Adelaide employment and training as set out in the Skills for All
- Mid North Broadband Project: Providing strategy.
broadband access to the Mid North of South
Australia with a fixed wireless solution The priorities have been developed in the context of the
new SASP 2011 targets:
- The gap between South Australian broadband
usage and the national average was reduced to - Target 57: Broadband Access – the proportion of
one percentage point South Australian premises with access to
broadband services delivered by fibre technology
- Successful completion of Mobile Enterprise meets the national average by 2020
Growth Alliance (MEGA) 2011 Digital
Entrepreneurship Program - Target 58: Online Business – Increase the
proportion of businesses that receive orders online
- Successful trials of the ForwardIT website and from 24 percent to 40 percent and continue
High Speed Broadband eBusiness Program growth each year to 2020.
in Willunga
- Release of the Willunga pre-NBN Baseline
Study Report
- Development of a Digital Economy Strategy for
Northern Adelaide Region Councils (Playford,
Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully).
The National Broadband
Network was successfully
‘switched on’ in Willunga.
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55. OUR PERFORMANCE
ENSURING EVERY SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HAS ACCESS TO PROMOTING DIGITAL LITERACY AS FOUNDATION SKILLS
BROADBAND FOR ALL SOUTH AUSTRALIANS
The South Australian government recognises that The South Australian government recognises that whilst
broadband is the ‘utility’ of the 21st century and that all digital connectivity is important, it alone is not sufficient to
South Australians are entitled to broadband connectivity. create a vibrant economy and an engaged community.
DFEEST is committed to maximising the benefits of the The future prosperity of South Australia, and the wellbeing
NBN rollout scheduled to take place over the next nine of its citizens, is predicated on having a broader-based
years, with a particular emphasis on achieving the highest knowledge-driven economy with a better educated and
possible extent of fibre, and recognising the particular trained workforce and, a competent and confident society
challenge of optimising broadband quality and speed in in the skills that are demanded by the global digital
regional areas. It will do this by working collaboratively with economy. This has been recognised in the South Australian
the Commonwealth government, local governments and government’s Skills for All reforms for South Australia.
RDA, NBN Co, industry and communities.
There are two key areas that need to be addressed.
In 2012, DFEEST will: These are:
- develop a whole-of-state Position Statement on - creating trust and confidence so that South
broadband and the NBN Australians can maximise their interaction with the
online world and unlock the true economic and
- conduct an Economic Impact Study; making the
social value of online engagement
case for fibre or best possible technology
deployment in regional areas of economic and - improving the digital literacy of all citizens.
social significance
In early 2012, DFEEST will work with the VET sector on skills
- provide an appropriate whole-of-government for the digital economy and with Skilled Workforce
response to the Commonwealth government’s Advisors on the use of ICT for productivity. DFEEST will also
Convergence Review which examines policy and develop the digital literacy skills content and methodology
regulatory frameworks that apply to the for the Industry/Enterprises sector.
converged media and communications landscape
in Australia.
In 2010-11, the difference that historically existed between
the national and South Australian use of broadband, for
internet-connected households, was reduced to just one
percentage point. This result represents a highly positive
change from the longstanding situation of the state’s usage
being approximately ten percentage points below the
national average.
Figure 12: Broadband use in householdsHouseholds
Broadband Use in
100%
91% 92%
90% 86%
81%
Broadband as % of Connections
80% 78%
68% 68%
70%
60% 57%
50% 47% SA
40%
Aust
36%
28%
30%
19%
20%
10%
0%
ABS 2004-2005 ABS 2005-2006 ABS 2006-2007 ABS 2007-2008 ABS 2008-2009 ABS 2010-2011 Source: ABS Cat No 8146.0
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56. BUILDING A DIGITAL ECONOMY POWERED BY DEVELOPING BEST PRACTICE AND MODELS FOR
INNOVATION AND ICT LOCALISED DIGITAL ECONOMIES
The South Australian government recognises that ICT plays DFEEST recognises the need to engage with regional
a central role in driving economic productivity and global authorities, key industry users and promoters of ICT services
competitiveness of all South Australian industries and that as well as business and community users to develop
the ICT industry in particular can contribute much to ‘flagship’ examples of flourishing localised digital economies
achieving these objectives. DFEEST will work in partnership for others to emulate. In 2012, DFEEST will partner with the
with the ICT industry to foster the innovative application of Australian Information Industries Association to leverage
new technologies in the sectors that are driving our state’s National Digital Economy Strategy funding (Digital Hubs &
economy. In 2012, DFEEST will conduct an Adelaide Enterprises).
Wireless Network feasibility study, partner with the
Australian Information Industries Association (AIIA) to run DFEEST continues to assist councils to become NBN ready.
the ‘Seeding ICT Innovation’ Forum and work with key An example is the development of a Digital Economy
South Australian industry sectors to identify digital economy Strategy for the Northern Adelaide Region in partnership
opportunities within the sector. with Playford, Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully councils. The
document will provide a template for similar strategies for
other South Australian councils.
BUILDING HIGHER ORDER SKILLS CAPABILITY AND SMART
CONTENT TO UNDERPIN THE STATE’S DIGITAL ECONOMY
POSITIONING SOUTH AUSTRALIA TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
The South Australian government recognises the need to
OF OTHER INITIATIVES
work with and through industry, businesses and other
stakeholders to develop programs to support skilling DFEEST recognises that its actions alone are not sufficient to
through training for both enterprises and individuals to drive achieve the above outcomes and collaboration is essential.
economic productivity. E-business programs continue to We are committed to working with the community, industry
explore opportunities for South Australian businesses to and all levels of government to implement a number of
access high-end technology skills and basic digital literacy digital economy initiatives that create valuable opportunities
skills to enhance opportunities for business and industry. for South Australia. In 2012, DFEEST will coordinate ‘Green
IT’ activities with the AII Sustainability taskforce in
MEGA, a workshop program designed, presented and collaboration with Technology Industry Association’s Green
mentored by industry to develop skills and knowledge in Task Force, participate in and provide input into National
digital content and applications was run in 2011 with Digital Economy working groups, provide South Australian
22 participants pitching seven new concepts for digital government representation and input on the
products or services. Commonwealth government’s Senior Officials Working
Group on Digital Productivity and provide input to the
Commonwealth and State Regional Taskforce on digital
economy issues and opportunities.
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57. OUR PERFORMANCE
3.6 A Focus on Quality
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goals 4 and 7
REGULATION
Throughout 2011, the delivery of higher education (other Non self-accrediting institutions
than that provided by the state universities), VET, and Over the last two decades, non self-accrediting higher
educational services to overseas students was regulated education institutions (NSAIs) have become an integral
under the Training and Skills Development Act 2008 (the part of the higher education sector in South Australia. The
Act). The Act provides the basis for ensuring that sector offers diversity and contributes to the state’s
education and training providers, and the courses they objective of increasing the number of international
deliver, are quality assured under national education and students in South Australia, as well as the national
training standards. Data on regulatory activity across these objective of increasing the number of individuals with a
three sectors is presented in tables 1-5 starting on page 76. higher education qualification. The sector comprises
approximately 30 NSAIs registered in South Australia or
The department manages the registration of education operating in the state under mutual recognition provisions.
and training providers under Part 3 of the Act through a These include: two overseas universities - Carnegie Mellon
delegation from the TaSC. The assessment of applications University and University College London; TAFE SA; and
for registration and the monitoring of compliance with three self-accrediting institutions - Australian College of
standards are managed by the department with the Theology, Australian Film Television and Radio School and
engagement of personnel from industry, occupational Melbourne College of Divinity.
licensing bodies, the three state universities and other
stakeholders as required. In 2011, the department undertook a comparative analysis
of course offerings and student enrolment data collected
from South Australian NSAIs in 2008-2010. The results of
the study were reported to the Higher Education
Transition to national regulation Registration and Accreditation Board and the TaSC to
On 1 July 2011 the Commonwealth Vocational Education inform them on NSAI’s performance.
and Training (VET) Regulator Act 2011 came into effect
and ASQA commenced operations. To allow ASQA
jurisdictional operation in South Australia, the South
Australian government was required to refer its previous VET registration and compliance monitoring and
regulatory powers to the Commonwealth. This was done assessment
through the Vocational Education and Training The number of registered providers in the domestic VET
(Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 (the Bill) which was sector fell from 324 in 2010 to 308 in 2011. This came
introduced into State Parliament late in 2011. The Bill, about through a 23 percent reduction in the number of
transferring all regulatory activity to ASQA, is due for approvals from the previous calendar year and the transfer
completion by April 2012. of seven providers to the ASQA because their principal
place of business was not in South Australia. Twenty three
The year 2011 was also the final year of the state’s role in providers withdrew their registration to deliver to
regulating higher education (other than universities which domestic students and three providers had their
are self-accrediting). From 2012, regulating higher registration cancelled.
education will be undertaken by the national regulatory
body, TEQSA, which was also established in July 2011 At the beginning of the year, 11 providers had their
following passage of the Commonwealth’s Tertiary registration under the Act managed by the National Audit
Education Quality Standard Agency Act. and Registration Agency through delegated authority
from the TaSC. The closure of this agency, following the
establishment and commencement of operations of ASQA
in a number of states and territories, resulted in
responsibility for the management of these registered
providers being transferred back to the department on
1 July 2011.
Page 57

58. There was a small reduction in the total number of The department receives and investigates complaints made
providers registered to deliver training to overseas students about registered providers operating in South Australia. As
from 71 to 68. Two applications for initial registration to at 1 January 2011 the department had a total of 37
deliver training to overseas students were approved; one complaints open. A further 22 written complaints were
was refused. Two providers had their registration cancelled received during the year. These complaints were
and three providers voluntarily withdrew their registration. investigated by the department to determine whether the
registered provider was operating in compliance with the
The department maintained a targeted program of Training and Skills Development Act 2008 and its
monitoring audits to ensure that providers were operating conditions of registration. Four of these complaints were
in compliance with all regulatory requirements. In a referred to other registering bodies interstate for further
number of cases, joint audits were conducted with DIC investigation. As at 31 December 2011 the department
and DEEWR. had closed 45 of these complaints.
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59. OUR PERFORMANCE
RECOGNITION DATA
Table 1 : VET REGISTRATION 2009 2010 2011
Summary
Total Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) registered in SA for domestic delivery 327 324a 308
RTOs also delivering Higher Education courses 16 15 13
RTOs with delegated powers b 3 3 3
Approvals
Initial registration 40 22 17
Renewal of registration 41 24 31
Extension to scope of registration 146 157 162
TOTAL 227 203 210
Qualifications added to TAFE SA scope of registration under delegation 203 272 188
Refusals, Cancellations and Suspensions
RTOs who expired or voluntarily withdrew registration 17 22 23
RTOs who transferred to another registering body 0 0 7
RTOs who had registration cancelled by registration authority 0 3 3
RTOs who had registration suspended by registration authority 0 0 0
RTOs who had registration refused by registration authority:
 Initial registration 4 3 4
 Extension to scope of registration 2 1 7
 Renewal of registration 0 0 0
Audit Activity: Number of audits conducted
Initial registration 43 27 17
Renewal of registration 39 21 23
Extension to scope of registration 58 66 43
Monitoring 28 40 61
TOTAL 168 154 144
a
Total figure inclusive of eleven RTOs that had their auditing and registration managed by National Audit and Registration Agency.
These RTOs were transferred back to SA in 2011 in preparation for transfer to the new national regulator Australian Skills Quality
Authority
b
The three TAFE SA institutes have delegated powers to vary scope of registration and to accredit Crown copyright courses.
Page 59

60. Table 2 : VET ACCREDITATION 2009 2010 2011
Summary
Total accredited courses 174 122 126
Approvals
Courses accredited 15 5 14
Courses accredited (TAFE SA under delegated authority) 6 8 10
Training package qualifications endorsed nationally 204 150 290
New qualifications made available through traineeships or apprenticeships in
82 139 110
South Australia
Table 3 : HIGHER EDUCATION REGISTRATION 2009 2010 2011
Summary
Higher education providers registered in SA for domestic delivery 32 32 30
Higher education providers who also deliver VET courses 16 15 13
Approvals
Initial registration 2 2 1
Variation to scope of registration 12 9 11
Refusals, Revocations and Withdrawals
Higher education providers who voluntarily withdrew registration 2 2 3
Higher education providers who had registration cancelled by registration
0 0 0
authority
Higher education providers who had registration suspended by registration
0 0 0
authority
Higher education providers who had registration refused by registration
authority
 Initial registration 0 0 1
 Variation of registration 0 0 2
 Renewal of registration 0 0 0
Table 4 : HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION 2009 2010 2011
Summary
Total current accredited courses 332 342 352
Approvals
Courses accredited 82 21 59
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61. OUR PERFORMANCE
Table 5 : OVERSEAS RECOGNITION 2009 2010 2011
Summary
Registered providers delivering only VET courses to overseas students 47 43 40
Registered providers delivering only higher education courses to overseas
11 10 12
students
Registered providers delivering VET and higher education courses to
9 8 2
overseas students
Registered providers delivering only English Language Intensive Courses
5 3 3
to Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Registered providers delivering VET and higher education and ELICOS 3 5 6
Registered providers delivering ELICOS and VET courses to overseas
2 1 4
students
Registered providers delivering ELICOS and higher education courses to
1 1 1
overseas students
Total registered providers approved to deliver courses to overseas
78 71 68
students
Approvals
Initial registration 17 7 2
Renewal of registration 7 2 2
Extension to scope of registration 41 20 20
Refusals, Revocations and Withdrawals
RTOs who voluntarily withdrew registration 0 11 3
RTOs who had registration cancelled by registration authority 0 3 2
RTOs who had registration suspended by registration authority 0 0 0
RTOs who had registration refused by registration authority:
 Initial registration 1 3 1
 Extension to scope of registration 1 0 1
 Renewal of registration 0 0 1
Audit Activity: Number of audits conducted
Initial registration 18 11 2
Renewal of registration 6 2 2
Extension to scope of registration 25 7 9
Monitoring 9 26 15
TOTAL 58 46 28
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62. SUPPORTING QUALITY
Building the capability of the VET workforce was a major A number of new measures to support quality were
focus for the department throughout 2011. The focus on introduced through revised Guidelines for Registered
quality was driven in part through Skills for All, which Training Organisations approved by the Minister under the
among other things aims to build the capacity of the VET Training and Skills Development Act 2008. These measures
system to support the expansion of the market and to required Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to,
ensure its ongoing quality. Increasing the quality and amongst other things:
capability of the VET systems was also a national focus in - apply to the TaSC for approval to deliver VET to
2011 through the release of a number of significant reports school students. Over 40 applications were
such as the Productivity Commission’s Report; Skills assessed and approved by 1 January 2012
Australia’s Road Map to Prosperity; and L.H. Martin’s,
Quality of the VET Workforce. A capability framework is - submit a Special Purpose Financial report based
also being developed by the Innovation and Business Skills on financial data from certified accounts from the
Australian Industry Skills Council for VET practitioners which previous two financial years. This report was
will be underpinned by the recently endorsed Diploma of developed by an internationally recognised
Vocational Education and Training. These qualifications accounting and risk management firm to assist the
and frameworks provide a focus for continuing the department to assess the financial health of RTOs
professional development in the sector. - appoint a suitably qualified and experienced
person as an Accountable Officer to provide
To support these initiatives, the department provides a educational leadership to its trainers and assessors.
targeted professional development program for training
providers that addresses contemporary education, training The department, in conjunction with TAFE SA, conducted
and workforce development practice. This also includes a successful pilot of the Training Guarantee for SACE
distribution of 11 editions of E-news to 1700 stakeholders. Students scheme for over 200 students. The scheme, which
will commence fully in mid-2012, is designed to assist SACE
In 2011, 15 contemporary VET practice workshops were students start on a relevant Certificate III pathway, which
held involving 409 VET practitioners. An additional six they will finish with a Skills for All training provider after
information sessions were held which focused on: Skills for completing their SACE studies.
All; Training Guarantee for South Australian Certificate of
Education (SACE) students; International Education Forum;
and TEQSA transition. A total of 1192 people attended
these sessions. Plans for 2012
Other events under the Capability Building Series included: Although, regulation of the VET sector will transfer to
ASQA in 2012, the department will continue to drive
- Building Capability Assessment program which excellence and quality in South Australia through
ran several workshops and work-based projects Skills for All reforms. This will be achieved through
- Building Foundation Skills for the Future, which procurement and contracting systems that have a strong
included two Language, Literacy and Numeracy focus on quality as well as continuing to build the provider
programs with 40 participants attending four capability of providers through targeted
workshops professional development.
- The New Directions in VET program which The department developed robust selection criteria and
focussed on training organisations as businesses, assessment processes to assess applicants to be Skills for All
provided RTOs with the opportunity to undertake providers. Once enrolments commence from 2 July 2012
a business health check. The program attracted the department will monitor the quality of services
19 RTOs as participants provided by Skills for All training providers through a range
- Implementation sessions were facilitated for the of data including information exchanged with the national
Diploma of Vocational Education and Training regulator. Where necessary, the department will conduct
which involved four workshops attended by audits to confirm that providers are complying with their
14 people. contractual obligations.
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63. OUR PERFORMANCE
TAFE SA AND QUALITY
TAFE SA prides itself on being the number one provider of The process for TAFE SA admissions through the South
quality VET in South Australia. TAFE SA plays a major role in Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) has
providing a comprehensive range of courses and services continued to be refined during 2011 to provide a more
to industry, the community and disadvantaged groups. streamlined service for prospective students and to assist
TAFE SA in maximising the number of student offers. A
The 2011 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey focused on significant improvement is the ability for programs to
the students’ employment outcomes, benefits of training, remain open on the SATAC and TAFE SA websites,
satisfaction and improved employment status in Australia. allowing applications and offers to be made to programs
The publication reported on results from a national survey with vacancies all year round. In Semester 1, 2011, 16 198
of students who completed their VET during 2010. applications were made to TAFE SA courses, an increase of
5.75 percent from 2010. In Semester 2 2011, 9279
In 2011, a high number of South Australia’s VET graduates applications were made, an increase of 39.39 percent
reported that they were satisfied with the overall quality of from 2010.
their training, with:
The Student Information System (SIS), a package of
- 91.2 percent of government-funded TAFE SA software products that will provide modern and flexible
graduates satisfied, the highest figure of all the web-based services to TAFE SA students and staff, was
states and territories partially implemented in June 2011. 21 000 students
- 77.5 percent of all TAFE SA graduates employed enrolled in Semester 2 2011, and work will continue in
after training, an increase of 0.2 percentage points 2012 on the development and testing of the ‘system’.
on the 2010 figure (77.3 percent) and above the Monitoring and recording details and student information
national average of 77.1 percent for those with special needs will also be a useful feature
of SIS.
- 74.9 percent of government-funded TAFE SA
graduates employed after training
In 2011, the TAFE SA website continued to support the
- of all TAFE SA graduates who were employed needs of students and business with traffic on the website
after training in 2011, 78.5 percent reported that continuing to increase with 2.98 million visits to the site.
their training was relevant to their current job and
72.8 percent reported at least one job-related As South Australia moves into a new contestable training
benefit. These figures were above the national market, TAFE SA sees that maintaining a high-quality
average of 77.0 percent and 72.7 percent training outcome is essential. Performance indicators
respectively. around student satisfaction, employer satisfaction and
module completions are critical for TAFE SA and will
The NCVER also runs a survey of employers, namely the continue to be in 2012.
Employers Use and Views of the Vocational Education and
Training System.
A figure of 91 percent of employers were satisfied with the
quality of training delivered by TAFE SA to apprentices and
trainees, and 94 percent were satisfied with the quality of
nationally recognised training delivered by TAFE SA
(NCVER 2011).
Page 63

64. 3.7 Science and Research
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goal 5
Innovation underpins South Australia’s productivity and SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S CHIEF SCIENTIST
business competitiveness and the state’s capacity to respond Adjunct Professor Don Bursill was appointed Chief Scientist
to a variety of environmental and social challenges. Equally for South Australia in April 2011, replacing Dr Ian Chessell
as important, innovation contributes to the state’s social who held the position from March 2008 up to December
wellbeing in terms of health, education and quality of life, 2010.
resulting in a stronger community, economic prosperity and
the delivery of better government services. Professor Bursill commenced his tenure with a round of
discussions with the three South Australian universities to
South Australia’s public expenditure on research and gain their views on the strategic development of the state’s
development (R&D) as a proportion of Gross State Product research sector and how it can better engage with industry.
(GSP) has continually risen from 1.04 percent in 2002-03 to He also established an Early Career Researcher Network in
1.18 percent in the 2008-09 Australian Bureau of Statistics conjunction with the Royal Institution of Australia. This
(ABS) reporting period. This compares to an average network provides an opportunity for young researchers to
national investment in R&D of 0.81 percent of GSP for discuss their own experiences and pass on their expertise to
2008-09. others and promote collaboration across research
institutions.
Expenditure by the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation (DSTO) and the Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) contributes to the
State’s achievements in R&D.
Figure 13: South Australian Public Expenditure on R&D, as a % of GSP 2002-2009 (including a
comparison to average national investment in R&D)
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65. OUR PERFORMANCE
PREMIER’S SCIENCE AND RESEARCH FUND SUPER SCIENCE FUNDING
The Premier’s Science and Research Fund facilitates A sum of $3.8 million over four years (2010-11 to 2013-
investment in key science and research areas that have a 2014) was allocated to support recipients who received
demonstrable potential to generate significant and funding from the Commonwealth government’s Super
sustainable economic, social and/ or environmental Science Fund.
benefits for the state.
These Super Science funding recipients included:
An internal review of the Fund commenced in 2011, with
an expected outcome to be a re-launch of the Fund with - Ian Wark Research Institute (University of South
new investment categories. The South Australian Research Australia) and Flinders University for the purchase
Fellowships, outlined below, will be retained as a leading and operation of nano-tomography computer
investment strategy in order to expand the state’s equipment as part of the South Australian node of
research talent. the Australian National Fabrication Facility
In 2011, the Fund awarded $1.1 million to the South - Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
Australian Research and Development Institute for the (University of Adelaide) for optical fibre research
Macroalgal Aquaculture project. This project assists with the equipment that will aid the development of the next
development of the culture of two taxa of macroalgae with generation of sensors that have a wide range of
market potential in optimised production systems at a proof applications such as non-invasive monitoring of
-of-concept scale utilising nutrient-enriched waste water embryos and devices to remotely identify corrosion
streams. in aircraft
- Australian Wine Research Institute to enhance their
metabolomics research services to support
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS bioscience research across a range of fields,
Funding for three new Fellowships was provided in 2011 including enabling wine producers to have greater
in the areas of clean technology, minerals processing and control over wine quality and characteristics
experimental physics. These positions are part-funded by
the state government for three years with matching - Adelaide Proteomics Centre (University of Adelaide
funding provided by the universities. and SA Pathology) is investing to enhance their
analytical capabilities to support research into the
Professional Development Scholarships for Women, valued fight against diseases such as cancer and the
at $15 000 each, were also awarded to six outstanding development of therapeutics to treat these diseases.
early to mid-career researchers working in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. The
scholarships are used to help build and extend the
recipients’ research profile via exposure to the national and
international research community.
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66. SCIENCE EXCELLENCE AWARDS CO-OPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRES (CRCs)
Since 2005, the South Australian Science Excellence DFEEST currently provides $1.2 million annually to 12 Co-
Awards (the Awards) have recognised and rewarded operative Research Centres (CRCs) to support the
excellence in science and acknowledged commitment and involvement of state government agencies in these
skill in raising public awareness of science. Award national centres. In 2011, the Commonwealth government
categories had been modestly amended over the years to provided $148 million for six CRC applicants, two of which
recognise the teaching of science and school, tertiary and DFEEST is supporting through the state government’s
community levels, and highlight collaboration CRC Assistance Program.
with industry.
These CRCs are:
After an internal review in early 2011, the Awards were
- Automotive Australia 2020 CRC (previously Auto
renewed to not only maintain the prestige of the Awards,
CRC), which received $26 million to position
but to bring far greater attention to emerging scientists and
Australia as a leading international manufacturer
researchers, particularly PhDs and early career STEM
and technology provider for low-emission
professionals in local employment; and to support the
transport solutions. The South Australian node is
quality of STEM teaching at school and tertiary levels.
based at the University of South Australia.
In November 2011, Awards were presented to 10 - CRC for Low Carbon Living received $28 million
researchers and educators, with joint winners in the and will provide government and industry with
category of Early Career STEM Educator. Other Award social, technological and policy tools to overcome
categories included: identified market barriers preventing adoption of
cost-effective low carbon products and services,
- Scientist of the Year while maintaining industry competitiveness and
- PhD Research Excellence – Health improving quality of life. The South Australian
and Medical Sciences node, based at the University of South Australia,
will link with the state government’s Integrated
- PhD Research Excellence – Life Design Commission.
or Environmental Sciences
- PhD Research Excellence – Physical Sciences/
Mathematics/Engineering
- Early Career STEM Professional
- Early Career STEM Educator – Tertiary.
In 2011, an evaluation of the renewed Awards deemed
them to be a success. Knowledge gained through the
feedback and experience highlighted further
improvements could to be made with the timing of the
Awards in 2012.
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67. OUR PERFORMANCE
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68. 3.8 Tertiary Education
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goals 4 and 7
In addition to its regulatory role, the department provides
important policy and program support to ensure
sustainable growth in the state’s tertiary education system,
especially in areas of strategic importance to the state. A
key consideration is the number and types of linkages
across the education and training system, most notably in
the area of school to post-school pathways.
TAFE–UNIVERSITY CREDIT TRANSFER AND ARTICULATION SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY
PATHWAYS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
Head Collaboration Agreements were signed between South Australia’s publicly funded universities play a crucial
TAFE SA and Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, role in supporting and promoting the state’s economic and
the University of Adelaide and the University of South social prosperity. The sector continues to operate in an
Australia during 2011. These agreements are designed to increasingly deregulated and globalised market with local,
strengthen established relationships between TAFE SA and national and international competition for students, staff
each of the universities and to deliver increased and resources.
collaborative educational offerings and pathways to South
Australians. The last 12 months has been a period of intense
consultation with the sector on a range of issues arising
During 2011, TAFE SA registered 176 new specific credit from the creation of the TEQSA through to issues involving
transfer and articulation agreements. The 563 agreements the implementation of the Commonwealth government’s
promoted on the TAFE SA website, as at December 2011, reform agenda for higher education. The department’s
cover both qualifications currently available for enrolment participation in these high-level discussions is ongoing
and previous versions of qualifications where credit is still through the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and
awarded by the university. Employment and its Senior Officials Committee.
During 2011, 63 003 page views (up from 42 299 in 2010) The department also provides input to Commonwealth
were recorded across credit transfer and articulation pages government reviews and inquiries, and in 2011 provided
on the TAFE SA website. submissions to the following reviews:
- Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program (the
Knight Review) in consultation with Education
Adelaide, the DECD (International Office), the
NEW PRIVATE UNIVERSITY Office of the Training Advocate, Immigration SA
and Multicultural SA. The Review’s terms of
In October 2011, the South Australian government
reference were developed with a view to
approved an application from Laureate International
enhancing the quality, integrity and
Universities to establish a private university in Adelaide.
competitiveness of the international education
Torrens University Australia is only the third private
sector, as well as strengthening the integrity of the
university in Australia and is expected to deliver academic
Student Visa Program
programs to Australian and international students from
2013 onwards. - Commonwealth government’s Base Funding
Review of Higher Education, which is investigating
the principles that should underpin public
investment in higher education
- Review of Higher Education Access and
Outcomes for Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders.
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69. OUR PERFORMANCE
RESEARCH PROJECTS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND
MATHEMATICS STRATEGY
Several research projects were commissioned in 2011, two
of which were facilitated through the ABS State In August 2011, the Minister for Science and Information
Consultancy Fund. Economy launched ‘A Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics Skills Strategy for South Australia’ (STEM
These research projects included: Skills Strategy).
- an investigation into the participation of low socio- The need for STEM skills in our growing defence, mining,
economic status students in tertiary education in bioscience, clean-tech, food production and other
South Australia in response to national and state industries is outpacing the supply of skilled workers. For all
targets. This project is due to be finalised early South Australians to reap the benefits of these high-value
in 2012 emerging industries and the digital economy, it is critical
- a feasibility investigation for South Australia that we all work together to attract and develop a
meeting the Commonwealth government target workforce with stronger skills in the STEM occupations.
of 40 percent of 25 to 34 year olds having a
completed bachelor degree or higher by 2025. Addressing these demands requires concerted and focused
Copies of the report have been provided to action, and this is the aim of the STEM Skills Strategy. The
each university strategy establishes:
- meeting with university representatives to identify - policy and program priorities for government
ongoing work and opportunities for collaboration investment in STEM
in achievement of state and national targets - an Executive Reference Group chaired by
- a further research project initiated in 2011 which is Raymond Spencer, Chair of the Economic
investigating the number of female school and Development Board and including executives from
tertiary graduates with STEM qualifications in South relevant government departments
Australia and their participation in related STEM
- a Cabinet Taskforce that includes Ministers
occupations. The purpose of this project is to: responsible for Science and Information Economy,
- obtain a current South Australian profile of Education, Trade, Defence Industries, Mineral
female participation and retention rates in Resources, and Employment, Higher Education
STEM fields of education at both the senior and Skills.
secondary schooling and university levels
of education The STEM Skills Strategy also outlines the suite of
government programs to improve skills in science and
- investigate the transition patterns of female
mathematics, including substantial investment in
students with completed year 12 STEM school
professional development and training for the state’s
subjects into a university STEM bachelor
teachers, a range of enhancement and enrichment
qualification and from bachelor degree to
activities for school students, and support for VET and
STEM post-graduate study and into
university students including scholarships.
the workforce
- establish a current profile of females working About 150 key industry representatives attended the STEM
in STEM-related industries in South Australia. Skills Strategy launch, and workshops were held for
providers of STEM enhancement and enrichment activities.
A report on the project will be released during 2012.
In addition to the launch in 2011, DFEEST began the
evaluation of new and existing STEM programs (e.g.
community-based science awareness programs) against
identified STEM Skills policy and program criteria. DFEEST
officers also began meeting with South Australian
universities to form closer collaborative ties with
education providers.
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70. TAFE SA LEARNING PATHWAYS
In 2011, TAFE SA continued to work with South Australian There are three study pathway options for students:
universities to identify and establish credit transfer - successful students will have guaranteed entry to a
agreements that acknowledged the completion of relevant range of Flinders University courses
and comparable studies at TAFE SA. At the end of 2011,
international students could access 104 established credit - students can elect to undertake Diploma or
pathways into degrees in most study areas including Advanced Diploma studies within TAFE SA and
Agriculture and Biology, Art and Design, Building and thereby opt for direct entry to Flinders University
Furnishing, Business and Marketing, Community and through successful completion of their studies at
Health, Education and Languages, Electrical and Certificate IV or higher level
Electronics, Engineering and Transport, Food and Wine, - students will be referred to TAFE SA courses suited
Hair and Beauty, Hospitality and Tourism as well as to their capabilities and vocational aspirations.
Information Technology.
In order to assist in addressing major skills shortages in the
A partnership arrangement developed between TAFE SA regional health sector, TAFE SA partnered with local
and Flinders University will see greater accessibility to a industry, schools and the Department of Health to create
university education for students who may have the regional ‘Pathways to Nursing’ program. Through this
considered further study impossible. The special entry locally driven program, students not only complete their
scheme gives TAFE SA students at Adelaide City and SACE, but gain valuable industry skills and qualifications,
Noarlunga campuses the option to enrol mid-year in with 95 percent of graduating students securing
Foundation Studies at Flinders University. This partnership employment as care workers in local organisations. The
will strengthen study pathways for students to move from continued success of the program was recognised when it
vocational education to higher education, giving TAFE SA was awarded the 2010 Coorong District Council Australia
students the strategies and skills needed for success at Day Award for School Programs.
university. Students will be enrolled with Flinders University
and registered with DEEWR which will fund student fees An agreement between TAFE SA and the University of
whilst staff from Flinders University and TAFE SA will Adelaide will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
collaborate on the delivery. University mentored TAFE SA students pathways to a university law degree. The
lecturers will deliver 75 percent of the program on TAFE SA agreement will give students completing a Certificate IV in
campuses with the final 25 percent of the program Legal Services entry into the Bachelor of Laws program at
delivered by Flinders University Student Learning Centre the University from 2012 onwards. The new study
staff at Flinders University. pathway, known as the ‘Aboriginal Law Program’ is the
collaborative effort of TAFE SA, the Aboriginal Access
Centre working with the Law Society of South Australia,
the President of the Law Council of Australia, Allianz
Insurance and the University of Adelaide. The Law Society
of South Australia has also agreed to provide additional
funding to support the Indigenous Law Studies project
in 2012.
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71. OUR PERFORMANCE
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS SENIOR SECONDARY TO POST-SCHOOL PATHWAYS -
TRAINING GUARANTEE FOR SACE STUDENTS
In 2011, the first round of the South Australian government
Defence Scholarships was implemented, with 50 The Training Guarantee for SACE Students is a new
scholarships of $5000 awarded to students undertaking a scheme which commenced in Semester 2, 2011. It enables
defence-related honour degree or degree with honours at eligible senior secondary school students to commence a
the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the Certificate III completion pathway while still at school as an
University of South Australia. integrated part of their senior secondary studies (SACE or
equivalent). The scheme subsidises students to undertake
The scholarships were designed to ensure long-term accredited training at an RTO in prescribed qualifications
supply of quality skills and a vibrant workforce to meet the and guarantees them a place with that RTO to complete
needs of the defence industry in South Australia. the qualification after secondary schooling is completed.
While the number of awarded scholarships fell short of the A total of 201 students from 51 schools across the state
75 available, it is expected that the 2012 round will be participated in the scheme undertaking training at TAFE SA
oversubscribed. across 40 different qualifications, ranging from construction
and furniture making, community services and health, to
We are also undertaking a detailed research project to tourism and hospitality. Approximately two-thirds were at
track participation in STEM study and careers longitudinally. Certificate II level, and one-third at Certificate III level.
The research includes data from the SACE Board,
International Baccalaureate Organisation, SATAC, the There are two distinct phases in implementing the scheme.
University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University During Phase 1 (July 2011 – June 2012) TAFE SA is the
of South Australia. principal provider and a small number of selected private
RTOs will commence delivery during Semester 1, 2012.
The project will provide a more comprehensive Phase 2 (i.e. from 1 July 2012), of the scheme will see full
understanding of the patterns of female participation in implementation as part of Skills for All.
STEM areas of learning and work, and the critical transition
points between school and university student, and from
university studies into the workplace. The research is
designed to identify at which of these critical transition
points women cease to participate in STEM study or work.
Once completed, the research will be made
publicly available.
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72. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
International Student Enrolment Trends Launch of the International Student Card
As at November 2011, international student enrolments in In February 2011, the Minister launched the International
South Australia had decreased by 8.9 percent compared to Student Card which is designed to provide international
the same period in 2010. This decline is lower than the students with easy access to key contacts for the South
national average which contracted by 9.4 percent based Australia Police, the Office of the Training Advocate and
on national Australian Education International statistics, all Education Adelaide.
education sectors inclusive. Based on the same set of
Australian Education International figures, 31 190
international students studied in South Australia compared
to 554 764 nationally, representing a market share of Health and Wellbeing of International Students
5.6 percent. The top three source countries remained in
DFEEST has partnered with SA Health and Multicultural SA
the same order as the previous year: China, India and
to undertake a project through the Health in All Policies
Malaysia. With the support of Education Adelaide, the
initiative on the Health and Wellbeing of International
department continued to promote South Australia as an
Students. With a focus on international students from the
international student destination despite challenges to the
VET sector, the project’s priority has been to assess the
market felt across Australia.
health and wellbeing of international students, and their
knowledge of and ability to access health services in South
Australia.
Student Roundtable
The intended outcome is to identify the health and
In 2011, the inaugural International Student Roundtable wellbeing needs of international students, the structures
was established to provide a forum for discussing issues and services that are available to address these needs, and
around international student education, safety, community opportunities to improve international students’
and social engagement and to identify opportunities that information, support and access to these services.
enhance the experience of international students studying
in South Australia. Membership of the Roundtable includes The project’s findings and recommendations will be
international students from a range of education sectors completed during 2012.
and countries, along with supporting agencies and
government representatives. The Roundtable is chaired by
Ms Leesa Vlahos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, on
behalf of the Minister for Employment, Higher Education
and Skills. The Roundtable provided a mechanism for
international students to advise the South Australian
government on their key issues of concern. They also
influenced the national agenda, with three international
student Roundtable representatives from South Australia
attending the National Roundtable in Canberra in August
2011.
Since February 2011, more than
16 000 cards have been
distributed to international
students. It is anticipated a further
12 000 cards will be distributed
each year and will be included
with the StudyAdelaide student
guides and satchels.
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73. OUR PERFORMANCE
TAFE SA International Activity In 2011, TAFE SA instigated a number of initiatives to attract
international students:
TAFE SA’s international activities, including the delivery of
programs to international students (both onshore and
Student Ambassador Program
offshore) is an important function that supports the overall
goals of TAFE SA and the South Australian government. With the recruitment of seven international students as
International students integrated into classes and campus ambassadors, TAFE SA was the first VET provider in
life enrich the learning experience, broaden perspectives Australia to introduce an International Student Ambassador
through shared ideas and experiences, contribute program. Recruitment was through a selection process and
significantly to the growth of the community, and provide the ambassadors represent a wide range of nationalities
additional funds for building better facilities and employing and courses studied. The aim of the International Student
quality staff. Ambassador program, which supports the Council of
Australian Governments’ (COAG) International Student
The year 2011 continued to be a challenging year in the Strategy and responds to the Study Adelaide Brand Health
international education industry in Australia. The strong survey, is to:
value of the dollar made Australia more expensive as a
study destination, and changes to the Skilled Migration - build a quality, enriched international student
program, the Student Visa program, work rights post-study, experience and meet student needs
and negative press about international student treatment - increase international student engagement and
continued to deter some prospective students. ABS data build an active student community
published at the end of the year showed education as an
export for Australia was valued at $15.8 billion in 2010-11, - create activities and opportunities for interaction
a 15 percent decrease compared to 2009-10. specifically for international students to foster
friendships, find support groups and build
confidence
At the end of 2011, TAFE SA had 164 courses registered for
delivery to international students including 23 new courses - provide insights into international student
at all levels ranging from Certificate II, III and IV to Diploma, experiences, wants and needs to aid TAFE SA
Advanced Diploma and Bachelors, in areas of Advertising, strategic planning of student support, recruitment
Automotive, Banking, Business, Children’s Services, and marketing
Hospitality, Information Technology, Language - develop ambassadors into advocates for TAFE SA
Development, Mining, Sport and Recreation, Tourism and through the provision of personal development
Veterinary studies. opportunities.
Most TAFE SA international students who complete a The program also harnesses the power of word of mouth
program at TAFE SA continue on to further degree studies recommendations for recruitment. A survey of current
at one of the local universities. TAFE SA programs provide TAFE SA international students indicated that almost
an excellent bridge for transition into undergraduate 50 percent of TAFE SA’s students hear about TAFE SA
degrees. through word of mouth from family and/or friends,
indicating that word of mouth and personal
recommendations are powerful international student
recruitment tools.
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74. International Student Ambassador Blog Some examples of these efforts include:
Since its introduction in early 2011, the International TAFE SA presence on Facebook
Student Ambassador blog continued to be popular,
recording more than 49 000 views. Web analysis shows The TAFE SA International Facebook page now has more
that viewers spend a substantial time on the blog page and than 24 000 ‘likes’ or ‘fans’. This places TAFE SA
move from this page to viewing the rest of the website, International at number seven in the top 10 highest
including TAFE SA course information. The blog continues Facebook fans of university and VET providers in Australia.
to act as an important recruitment tool, introducing TAFE SA is the only VET provider in the top ten.
potential students to real student experiences and
harnessing word of mouth recommendations and the Short Marketing Films
authentic voice of international students.
In 2011, TAFE SA undertook the development and
production of a suite of short marketing films for
recruitment purposes. The real student experiences of the
TAFE SA International Student Ambassador team were
TAFE SA identity on QQ.com chosen as the focus of these films.
QQ.com (the Chinese equivalent to Facebook) now
incorporates a TAFE SA identity to recruit students. A
TAFE SA staff member is available on QQ each week to
communicate with potential students in Mandarin. This has TAFE SA has a strong commitment to its international
led to a significant number of students being recruited students, ensuring a comprehensive suite of services is
through this channel since the QQ platform was launched. provided to meet their educational, personal and
community needs. Some examples of this work include:
In 2011, TAFE SA pursued an aggressive growth strategy
that saw a changed focus from overseas travel in favour of International Student Aid
a greater emphasis on digital (online) marketing, increasing
marketing reach to over 163 countries. A number of aid and scholarship programs continued to
work with TAFE SA to support students who would not
normally have the opportunity to study a vocational
Overseas travel was biased towards ensuring that growth education program in Australia. In 2011:
was aggressive yet balanced and the composition of
overseas students diversified. TAFE SA participated in - Eighteen students were sponsored by the Saudi
various country recruitment exhibitions and agent events Arabian Cultural Mission to study English, Nursing
across a total of nine regions including China, Vietnam, and Business Studies
South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
Thailand and Latin America. - Nine students were supported by the Australian
Agency for International Development (AusAID)
scholarships from Laos, Timor-Leste, Papua New
The greater emphasis in digital efforts resulted in students Guinea and the Solomon Islands to study
from nine new country regions including Armenia, Congo, Geoscience, Tourism, Human Resource
Israel, Mauritius, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Management, Food Technology and Children’s
Uganda and the Ukraine. TAFE SA also experienced an Services
increase in the number of students from Saudi Arabia
purely from digital marketing efforts. - Seven students from Indonesia, Bhutan, Laos,
Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Pakistan received
Endeavour Awards to study Veterinary Nursing,
Engineering, Community Services, Automotive
Technology and IT
- Becas Chile sponsored two students to study
Frontline Management and Mining programs.
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75. OUR PERFORMANCE
International Student Services provide a more direct engagement between the
universities and TAFE SA; this enhanced the quality and
The Admissions staff attend to all prospective student credibility of the programs being delivered at the University
enquiries about the application process, programs and of Industry in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City.
transition to life in Adelaide, and specialised welfare staff
guide students through their study by ensuring they are
suitably orientated to their new environment, have the TAFE SA also engaged with Austraining International
support they need through their studies to reach their Pty Ltd, partnering in bids for AusAID-funded projects for
potential, and have many opportunities to engage with two significant programs in East Timor and Kiribati. The East
their colleagues and the broader Adelaide community. Timor project involved delivery of trade expertise for local
East Timor trainers through a series of visits by highly skilled
TAFE SA trade lecturers. The objective of the project was to
build the capacity of East Timor to deliver its own skills
Student Events training and therefore strengthen their capacity to rebuild
In 2011, international students participated in a broad infrastructure and enhance the skills of the local population.
range of social and interactive events including Karaoke,
Love Adelaide International Dinners, International Students In 2011, the Kiribati Technical VET Strengthening Program
Parties, Dance and Open Mic competitions, Ice Skating, saw nine short-term advisers from TAFE SA living in Kiribati
Victor Harbor Team Building, Deep Creek Conservation in 2011 for periods of approximately 40 days each visit.
Park bush walks, The Amazing Great Race, Orientation BBQ They provided expertise in educational programs of
with Multicultural Youth South Australia, Lawn Bowls, carpentry, auto mechanical, electro-technology,
Volleyball, and City and Precinct bus tours. These events accounting, business administration, information
promote social interactions and provide opportunities for technology and English language. Other advisers provided
students to participate in off-campus activities, meet other expertise in Technical VET Policy and Apprenticeship Policy.
students including domestic students and expand their This program is set to grow in 2012 to include auspicing
social networks. arrangements and extend through to 2015.
There have also been a number of other smaller AusAID-
Study Tours funded projects in Samoa and Tonga operated through
TAFE SA’s Justice Department and Hospitality sector, which
As well as recruiting students to study full award programs,
have been successful and provide further evidence of
TAFE SA attracts numerous groups each year for short
TAFE SA’s ability to provide meaningful and quality
study tours that provide an exciting combination of cultural
engagement with international organisations to build
and educational experiences which are delivered across
capacity.
the state. These tours take advantage of the beautiful and
amazing sights that South Australia has to offer, blended
with state-of-the-art facilities and industry trained The collaborations with Austraining International Pty Ltd
educational expertise at TAFE SA. In 2011, the Regency across a variety of activities demonstrates TAFE SA’s capacity
campus hosted two study tours from Kia Ping and Tam Shui to provide a broad range of services across a complex
Vocational Culinary Colleges in Taiwan. Set to grow variety of disciplines in a timely and effective manner.
significantly in 2012, study tours from Korea, Taiwan, Hong Continued engagement with similar types of projects in the
Kong, Indonesia and India have already been confirmed. future will further enhance TAFE SA’s reputation at local,
national and international levels.
TAFE SA engaged with universities, colleges and
government to deliver programs in the areas of business, The TAFE SA Legal and Justice Studies program travelled to
hairdressing, hospitality, information technology, nursing New Zealand to deliver a one week Train the Trainer
and tourism to over 1000 students across Asia in countries Program for judicial trainers from the Pacific Forum Island
including Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Countries. This is an AusAID-funded initiative as part of the
Singapore. Auspicing arrangements continue to deliver Pacific Judicial Development Program. Justice and Policing
AQTF-accredited programs to hundreds of students in Studies (part of TAFE SA’s Legal and Justice Studies
Vietnam in the areas of banking, business and information program) have won a contract with the Australian
technology. The management of these auspicing Commonwealth Court to deliver three one-week Train the
arrangements were significantly modified during 2011 to Trainer programs interstate.
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76. The year 2011 also provided the opportunity to conduct an EDUCATION AND TRAINING
extensive review that led to significant changes in how Education and training is vital for sustaining a strong
transnational business operates at TAFE SA. workforce with solid economic growth and rising living
Recommendations from the review led to more stringent standards. Education and training is designed to improve
management of transnational education and improvement worker productivity and skill relevance, which in turn leads
of processes to mitigate risk and increase quality of future
to greater economic production3.
offshore projects. This renewed focus on quality
management ensures compliance to requirements,
protection for students’ rights, ensures programs meet Non-school qualifications
expectations, and the department’s reputation as a quality
provider of vocational education is strengthened. All Data shows that the proportion of people with non-school
Transnational Business processes and procedures qualifications is growing, in South Australia and for
(including due diligence, contract management and quality Australia as a whole, and that the South Australian level has
assurance) have been or are in the process of being revised been gradually approaching the national level. The gap
to ensure more robust management. has narrowed from 4.2 percentage points in 2001, to
3.5 percentage points in 2011. In 2010, the gap was
2.4 percentage points.
Plans for 2012
The department will continue to monitor national reforms
in both vocational and higher education in terms of quality
assurance, qualification frameworks, funding models and
international education, responding to and driving the
agenda as appropriate.
The department, in partnership with Education Adelaide
continues to build the reputation of South Australia as an
international education destination, ensuring international
students receive a quality education and have a positive
experience in South Australia.
Figure 14: Proportion of the labour force withof the labour force with non-school qualifications,
Proportion non-school qualifications, South Australia and Australia
South Australia and Australia
65
60
Per cent
55
50
Source:
45
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
ABS Cat No 6227.0
South Australia 49.1 51.1 51.1 54.9 52.9 54.1 55.5 56.6 58.1 58.9 58.5
Australia 53.3 54.5 55.0 57.0 56.9 58.2 58.1 59.3 60.3 61.3 62.0
3
The Allen Consulting Group (2004). The Vocational Education and Training System: Key Issues for Large Enterprises. A report prepared for the Business
Council of Australia
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77. OUR PERFORMANCE
The proportion of people aged 20-64 who did not have qualifications at Certificate III level or above has been declining in
South Australia and for Australia as a whole with the gap between the South Australian and national levels remaining
relatively the same. In South Australia, the population aged 20 to 64 who did not have qualifications at Certificate III level or
above has declined from 62.6 percentage points in 2001 to 49.4 percentage points in 2011.
Figure 15: 20-64 year old population without qualification at Certificate III level or above
Source: ABS Cat No 6227.0
Vocational education and training
The VET participation rate of the South Australian working population, aged 15 to 64 years, has remained fairly constant
since 2003. In 2010, the South Australian participation rate was 0.6 percentage points lower than the national rate.
Figure 16: VET participation rates, South Australian and Australia
VET participation rates, South Australia and Australia
14
13
12
Per cent
11
10
9
8
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
South Australia 13.0 13.2 11.4 11.3 11.3 10.9 11.1 11.2 10.9 11.0
Australia 12.2 12.2 12.2 11.3 11.4 11.4 11.3 11.3 11.1 11.6
Source: (Commonwealth) Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR),
Annual National Report of the Australian Vocational and Technical Education System,
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), ABS Cat No 3201.0
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78. 3.9 National Contributions
DFEEST Strategic Plan Goals 4 and 7
DFEEST plays an active role in engaging with the
Commonwealth government to achieve positive outcomes
for the state.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE NEW NATIONAL AGREEMENT ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION PRINCIPAL COMMITTEE
AND NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
The Access and Participation Principal Committee (APPC)
Negotiations have commenced with the Commonwealth has lead responsibility ‘to provide advice on matters relating
and other state and territory governments for a new to impediments to access tertiary education and
National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development employment particularly amongst disadvantaged groups
(NASWD) and associated National Partnership (NP) to and consider strategies to increase participation in tertiary
replace the current Agreement and NPs. The revised education and employment’.
NASWD, to be considered by COAG in early 2012, will
provide the direction and framework for training and skills In 2011, the APPC’s advice to national training and
development over the coming years, and emphasise joint employment senior officers and Standing Council on
accountability of the states, territories and the Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (SCOTESE)
Commonwealth in meeting clear and transparent targets. included:
Subject to endorsement by COAG, the new NASWD and - Development of national principles and priorities
NP will implement a national training entitlement to for VET equity policy and funding, including
increase participation in training leading to employment; consideration of the needs of regional and remote
improve industry engagement and VET information communities, through working with the National
transparency; support disadvantaged learners; improve VET Equity Advisory Council, an independent
foundation skills; promote better consumer information advisory body to national ministers, on improving
(including through the national MySkills website); maintain outcomes for equity groups in VET
support for the public provider; strengthen enterprise - Working with the Commonwealth to improve
workforce skills and development and improve pathways employability of low-skilled individuals through
across the tertiary sector. identifying barriers to joined up employment
services and training provision
Linked reforms include external accreditation of registered - Commissioning independent research on support
training providers by the national regulator and the models to assist disadvantaged groups that
introduction of an income-contingent loans scheme for informed the APPC’s advice on best practice in
people undertaking further training at the diploma and wrap-around service delivery for at-risk groups
advanced diploma level. Work is also progressing on
longer-term goals such as the introduction of a national - Approving the National Foundation Skills Strategy.
Unique Student Identifier, improved partnerships between
Job Service Australia and Disability Employment Service
providers, and closer harmonisation of the Australian
Apprenticeship system.
Plans for 2012
South Australia has commenced a number of the reforms
covered by the new NASWD and NP, and will seek to link
Commonwealth government funding to progress towards
reform goals and ensure a continuous funding stream for
current and future training commitments.
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79. OUR PERFORMANCE
NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT ON NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ON YOUTH ATTAINMENT AND
PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING TRANSITIONS
South Australia secured $3.6 million in Commonwealth Through the National Partnership on Youth Attainment
funding in 2010-2011 under the National Partnership and Transitions (NPYAT), agreed by COAG in July 2009,
Agreement on Pre-Apprenticeship Training between the governments are working collaboratively to better engage
Commonwealth and South Australian governments to young people in education and training; achieve
deliver the Apprentice Kickstart Pre-Apprenticeship (AKPA) improvements in the numbers of young people making
project. The project, which concluded in November 2011, successful transitions from schooling into further education,
primarily targeted school leavers and Indigenous job training or employment; and lift qualification levels.
seekers and aimed to increase the number of apprentices in
skills shortage areas through pre-apprenticeship training. The South Australian Implementation Plan, outlining how
South Australia will implement the NP, was agreed in
Through the AKPA project, 604 participants commenced a March 2010 and the Minister for Employment, Higher
pre-apprenticeship course – exceeding the DEEWR Education and Skills and the Minister for Education and
requirement of 500 commencements by 20.8 percent. Nine Child Development are jointly responsible for this plan.
registered training organisations delivered 44 courses
during the life of the project, with 418 participants Two key outcomes of the NPYAT are to achieve a national
successfully completing the training. As a result of the AKPA Year 12 or equivalent attainment rate of 90 percent by
project, 174 participants gained an apprenticeship, while 2015, and to provide an education or training entitlement
an additional 81 gained employment. to young people aged 15 to 24 (initially referred to as the
‘Youth Compact’). DFEEST and DECD have collaborated to
implement the Youth Compact, and have especially
concentrated on increasing the range of opportunities for
young people to take up training programs either as part of
their schooling or as a full-time student at TAFE SA. Out of
this collaboration has evolved the Training Guarantee for
SACE Students scheme, a program within Skills for All,
through which senior secondary students are supported to
commence Certificate III completion pathways as part of
their schooling program, and finish their studies when they
leave school.
A trial of the scheme commenced on 1 July 2011 with a
little over 200 students participating in a range of TAFE SA
programs (at Certificate II and III levels).
Plans for 2012
The trial is being extended from 1 January 2012 to include
selected private providers, with in excess of 600 students
anticipated to be involved. The scheme will be fully rolled
out from 1 July 2012.
Page 79

80. TRANSITION TO NATIONAL REGULATION FOR HIGHER NATIONAL BOARD/COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION
EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
DFEEST has representation on 14 national committees to
South Australia is in the process of transitioning to national continue engagement with the Commonwealth
regulation for both vocational education and higher government. These committees are:
education.
- Access and Participation Committee
On 1 July 2011 the Commonwealth Vocational Education - Commonwealth State and Territory Advisory
and Training (VET) Regulator Act 2011 came into effect Council on Innovation
and ASQA commenced operations. To enable ASQA - Data and Performance Measurement Principal
jurisdictional operation in South Australia, the state Committee
government was required to refer its regulatory powers to
the Commonwealth. As a result, the Vocational Education - Flexible Learning Advisory Group
and Training (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 was - Higher Education Standards Panel
introduced into State Parliament late in 2011 and the Bill is
expected to be passed in early 2012. - Joint Committee on International Education
- Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and
The year 2011 was also the final year of the state’s role in Employment
regulating higher education (other than universities which now Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills
are self-accrediting). From 2012, regulating higher and Employment
education will be undertaken by the national regulatory - National Broadband Network Liaison Group
body, TEQSA, which was also established in July 2011
following passage of the Commonwealth’s Tertiary - National Centre for Vocational Education Research
Education Quality Standard Agency Act. - National Centre for Vocational Education Research
- Audit Committee
Once the Vocational Education and Training - National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce
(Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2011 passes the South
Australian Parliament, the process to transfer all regulatory - National Senior Officials Committee
activity to ASQA will commence and is expected to be - National Skills Standards Council
completed by 30 June 2012.
- Tertiary Education, Quality and Pathways Principal
Committee.
Page 80

81. OUR PERFORMANCE
Zoe Dick -
Trainee of the Year
2011 South Australian Training Awards
Page 81

82. Page 82

83. SECTION FOUR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AND REPORTING
Page 83

84. 4.1 Ministerial Accountability 4.2 Legislation
The Minister is accountable to the South Australian public As at 31 December 2011, the department was responsible
for the delivery of efficient and effective services that for administering the following legislation:
respond to training, employment and workforce needs.
- Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993
- Construction Industry Training Fund Regulations
2008
CURRENT ACCOUNTABILITY - Flinders University of South Australia Act 1966
Hon Tom Kenyon MP From 22 October 2011 - Public Corporations (Bio Innovation SA)
Regulations 2001
Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills
- Public Corporations (Education Adelaide)
Minister for Science and Information Economy
Regulations 1998
- Public Corporations (Playford Centre) Regulations
1996
PREVIOUS ACCOUNTABILITY - Technical and Further Education Act 1975
Hon John Snelling MP 25 Mar 2010 – 21 Oct 2011 - Technical and Further Education Regulations 1999
- Technical and Further Education (Vehicles)
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education
Regulations 1998
Minister for Science and Information Economy
- Training and Skills Development Act 2008
Hon Tom Kenyon MP 23 Jun 2011 to 21 Oct 2011 - Training and Skills Development Regulations 2008
Minister Assisting the Minister for Employment, Training - University of Adelaide Act 1971
and Further Education - University of South Australia Act 1990
Hon Jay Weatherill MP 8 Feb 2011 to 21 Oct 2011
Minister for Science and Information Economy
Page 84

85. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.3 Board, Committees and Authorities
BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND AUTHORITIES
ADMINISTERED BY DFEEST
Training and Skills Commission Office of the Training Advocate
The Training and Skills Development Act 2008 establishes The Office of the Training Advocate provides a public
the TaSC and outlines its functions. contact point to respond to questions or complaints about
the training system.
The current commission, appointed on 1 September 2010,
has nine members and two deputy members appointed by In this context the training system comprises higher
the Governor. It is chaired by Mr Adrian Smith, who has education, VET, apprenticeships and traineeships, adult
been a commission member since 2003. community education and education services for overseas
students.
The commission is the peak advisory body to the state
government on skills and workforce development priorities, The office is an independent statutory authority established
and is responsible for the preparation and annual update under the Training and Skills Development Act 2008 and
of a Five-Year Plan for Skills and Workforce Development in operates in accordance with a Charter of Functions. These
South Australia. The plan is the principal instrument by functions are designed to enhance consumer protection
which the commission provides its advice to the Minister for by improving access and effective participation in
Employment, Higher Education and Skills. employment and skill formation opportunities, and to
contribute to strategies which raise the quality and
In developing its advice to the Minister the commission is responsiveness of the training system in South Australia.
required, under the Act, to consult with a wide range of The functions are established to:
stakeholders, including groups representing industry, - promote employment, education and training
employees, education and training providers, industry skills
boards and training advisory bodies, government and the - provide independent complaint handling
community. - provide advocacy
Digital Economy Strategy Group - provide information and advice
- monitor the training system.
The Digital Economy Strategy Group oversees the
government’s role in the activities resulting from the
Genevieve Bell report, the Digital Economy Strategy Group
(DESG) was created. The group provides strategic input
and direction to the Minister for Science and Information
Economy on ways to position the state to take maximum
advantage of the digital economy
Page 85

86. Premier’s Science and Industry Council BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REPRESENTED BY DFEEST
(formerly the Premier’s Science and Research Council)
DFEEST has representation on the following state
The Premier’s Science and Research Council was established committees to continue its engagement with industry,
by the government in 2002 to provide independent advice tertiary education providers, science and research
on strategies to optimise the contribution of the state’s institutions and digital economy institutions.
capabilities in science, research and innovation to South
Australia’s overall development. - Aboriginal Employment Industry Champions
Network
Under the leadership of the Council’s Co-Chair, Chief - Bio Innovation SA
Scientist Adjunct Professor Don Bursill, the Council re- - Chief Executives Group on Aboriginal Affairs
examined its previous practices and priorities during 2011
and set an agenda for the future that focuses more clearly - COAG Implementation Reporting and Evaluation
on developing the state’s science and research capabilities in Group
the critical area of adaptation to industry. This is in - Education Adelaide
accordance with the recommendations to revitalise
manufacturing as proposed by the ‘Thinker in Residence’ - Education Adelaide - Audit Committee
Professor Göran Roos and in the establishment of the - Every Chance for Every Child Senior Officers Group
Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade,
Resources and Energy. The Council has also taken steps to - Government Planning and Coordination Group
link its activities more closely with the program of the - Green Futures
Economic Development Board in line with the change
- Higher and Further Education Task Group
of emphasis.
- InnovateSA Board
Now known as the Premier’s Science and Industry Council, it - Invest SA Board
better reflects current South Australian government priorities
- Maritime Skills Centre
on industry engagement.
- Resources and Engineering Skills Alliance
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - SABRENet
Executive Reference Group
- SACE Review Implementation Steering Committee
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) Executive Reference Group was established in 2011 - SA NBN Taskforce
to oversee the implementation of the whole-of-government - Senior Management Council
STEM Skills Strategy. The reference group is responsible for:
- South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre
- making joint decisions on the funding of new or - Southern Suburbs Coordination Group
continuing STEM programs
- Teach SA Reference Group
- making recommendations to Cabinet on policies
and programs to improve the supply of South - Teacher Education Taskforce
Australians with STEM skills - Training Guarantee for SACE Students
- monitoring and reporting annually against STEM Reference Group
goals and targets. - University Aspiration Project Advisory Committee
The reference group is chaired by Mr Raymond Spencer,
Chair of the Economic Development Board, meets every
two months, and is administratively supported by
the department.
Page 86

87. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.4 Governance
DFEEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The department’s corporate governance obligations are Budget and Finance Executive Committee
prescribed in the Public Sector Act 2009 and the Technical
The Budget and Finance Executive Committee is an expert
and Further Education Act 1975. These Acts establish
committee providing financial governance over the
general management aims, personnel management and
department's resources. The committee monitors the
employee conduct standards. The Chief Executive of the
department's performance against fiscal targets for the
department is responsible for observance of these aims
current financial year. It regularly reviews the department's
and standards.
financial strategies and the performance of the current
year’s operating and capital budgets. It considers options
The department maintains a governance framework that and advises the Chief Executive on the department's
integrates strategic management, leadership and financial strategies and options to mitigate budget risk in
accountability in the way it manages its people and the current financial year.
resources to achieve the best performance of its functions.
Information and Communications Technology Strategy
In 2011 the department’s governance structure Committee
encompassed the following:
The purpose of the Information and Communications
Technology Strategy Committee is to set the department’s
Corporate Executive
strategic directions for Information and Communications
Corporate Executive is a high-level decision-making and Technology, to monitor the implementation of Information
leadership group in the department. Its primary role is to and Communications Technology strategies across the
ensure the successful achievement of the department’s agency, to drive value for money in Information and
strategic planning and portfolio outcomes and it has Communications Technology investment and to ensure
responsibility for maintaining the effectiveness of these compliance to the Information and Communications
governance mechanisms. Technology governance framework.
Executive Forum Infrastructure and Facilities Strategy Committee
Executive Forum consists of the executive leaders The Infrastructure and Facilities Strategy Committee
responsible for the achievement of departmental objectives. provides strategic guidance for the integrated planning
The forum also has a role in providing strategic discussion, and management of all government-owned infrastructure
collaboration and shared vision for the agency. requirements across the department, and the development
of strategic infrastructure plans for its portfolios.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
The Audit and Risk Management Committee provides
assurance and assistance to the Chief Executive to
undertake his statutory responsibilities; this committee is an
integral part of the department’s framework
for governance.
Page 87

88. Occupational Health and Safety Committee TAFE SA GOVERNANCE
The Occupational Health and Safety Committee provides TAFE SA Interim Board
leadership in Injury Prevention and Injury Management for The TAFE SA Interim Board was established in July 2011 to
the department’s directorates and contributes to the prepare TAFE SA for new governance arrangements as a
establishment, implementation, monitoring and review of statutory authority. The key responsibilities for the board
Injury Prevention and Management Systems come from the framework set out in Public Corporations Act
within directorates. 1993, section 12. In particular:
The committee works collaboratively and within the strategic - performance of commercial operations in
guidance of the department’s Strategic Occupational Health, accordance with prudent commercial principles and
Safety and Injury Management Committee. use of best endeavours to achieve a level of profit
consistent with its functions
People and Culture Committee - efficient and effective performance of non-
commercial functions in accordance with the
The People and Culture Committee provides strategic
Ministerial Charter.
guidance for the prioritisation, planning and management of
all organisational development requirements across the
department and the implementation of the People and The board comprises members of the DFEEST Corporate
Culture Plan. Executive, a senior representative from the Department of
Treasury and Finance and three external members.
Strategic Procurement Committee
TAFE SA Institute Councils
The Strategic Procurement Committee oversees procurement
operations within the department to advance the State The TAFE SA Institute Councils are established by the Minister
Procurement Act objective of advancing government for Employment, Higher Education and Skills for each of the
priorities by a system of procurement for public authorities three institutes of TAFE SA under the Technical and Further
directed towards: Education Act 1975. The councils advise, monitor
performance and provide supplementary funding for the
- obtaining value for money in the expenditure of
institutes’ operations.
public money
- providing for ethical and fair treatment TAFE SA Executive
of participants
TAFE SA Executive is the peak decision-making body for all
- ensuring probity, accountability and transparency in strategic issues relating to TAFE SA. Membership consists of
procurement operations. the Chief Executive, Office of TAFE SA and the three institute
Managing Directors.
Sustainable Industries Education Centre Board
The Sustainable Industries Education Board oversees the SIEC TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute Executive
project which is the development of a Sustainable Industries Management Team
Education Centre on the Land Management Corporation
managed development at Tonsley Park. It includes all The TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute Executive Management
associated capital developments, divestments, program Team is responsible for supporting the role, function and
movements and realisation of operating savings required to responsibilities of the Managing Director.
deliver the benefits of the SIEC business case in an efficient,
cost-effective and timely manner. TAFE SA Adelaide South Institute Executive Committee
The TAFE SA Adelaide South Institute Executive Management
Team is responsible for the development of business strategy,
direction and monitoring the performance of the institute
and responsibilities and function of the Managing Director.
TAFE SA Regional Executive Operations Committee
The TAFE SA Regional Executive Operations Committee
supports the Managing Director, TAFE SA Regional in the
execution of the role, functions and responsibilities of the
position. It is the peak decision-making body of the institute.
Page 88

89. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.5 Asbestos Management in 4.8 Freedom of Information
Government Buildings
The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (the Act) confers on
Asbestos management reporting has been modified. As each member of the public a legally enforceable right to be
such, each agency is now required to provide asbestos given access to documents held by the government, subject
management information to the Department of Planning, only to such restrictions as are reasonably necessary for the
Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), which will be proper administration of the government and the
incorporated into an annual across-government report on preservation of personal privacy. It also enables members of
asbestos management. There is no longer a need to report the public to apply for the amendment of records
on asbestos management in agencies’ annual reports. concerning their personal affairs if the records are
DFEEST complied with this modification and forwarded its incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out of date.
asbestos management report on to DPTI in October 2011.
The structure and functions of the department are described
elsewhere in this report.
These functions affect the public through the direct delivery
4.6 Carers Recognition Act 2005 of the education, training, and employment services, as well
as through the purchase of such services from private and
DFEEST promotes the Carers Recognition Act 2005 and the community providers; the accreditation of training courses;
Carers Charter on its intranet to ensure all employees have the registration of training providers; the investigation of
an awareness and understanding of this information. complaints about training organisations and accredited
Information is also incorporated into the new DFEEST online courses; the management of contracts of training; facilitation
induction package. Communication occurs through Human and development of the skills in the state; the
Resource units across the department and on intranet sites. encouragement of science, technology and innovation-
based industries; and the uptake and usage in the
community of online technologies and other ways of
enhancing the economy of South Australia.
4.7 Disability Action Plans
The public can participate in the department’s policy
TAFE SA Disability Access Plans are now used for all students development in a number of ways. Some of these ways
with a disability or medical condition who require additional include membership of TAFE SA councils and other boards
support. This allows for consistency as well as the ability to and committees, as well as responding to calls for public
track trends and ensure students do not have to reapply consultation on particular issues.
when moving campuses. Provision has been made under
the SIS to greatly improve dissemination of information to The department holds correspondence and administrative
students with disabilities in a much more timely fashion. records including:
- personnel records
Ongoing improvements to physical access are constantly
monitored. In 2010-11, $100 000 in additional funding - accounts records
across TAFE SA was allocated for addressing items identified - payroll records
through the access audits conducted in 2009. Access
upgrades included improved toilet facilities and installation - supply records
of more electronic doors. - facilities management records
- students’ records in TAFE SA institutes
In addition, access improvements were made as part of
major works on the following campuses: Tea Tree Gully, - student services records
Whyalla, Victor Harbor, Regency and Adelaide City. - records relating to accredited training courses
- complaints made about registered training
providers and contracts of training
- contracts
- records relating to grants of funding
- surveys and statistics.
Page 89

90. Records are held in a variety of media including paper, Public access to documents
microfiche and electronic formats. Information and
explanatory documents about courses, contracts of training, The public can access documents and seek amendment to
course accreditation and training organisation registration, documents under the Act.
youth services, science, innovation and information
economy are available free of charge from the An application under the Act must be made in writing,
following websites: specifying that they are made under the Act, include an
address in Australia to which correspondence may be sent
- TAFE SA: www.tafe.sa.edu.au and be accompanied by the prescribed application fee. A
- Skills SA: www.skills.sa.gov.au waiver or remission of a fee applies in cases where the
applicant satisfies an agency that he or she is a concession
- Information on accreditation, registration and card holder or the payment of the fee or charge would
contracts of training, the South Australian cause financial hardship to the person.
traineeship and apprenticeship system:
www.dfeest.sa.gov.au
Freedom of Information applications should be
- Higher Education accreditation: www.aqf.edu.au addressed to:
- Adult Community Education grants:
www.skills.sa.gov.au Senior Consultant Freedom of Information, Privacy
- User Choice Policy located under the User Choice and Intellectual Property
submenu: www.training.sa.gov.au Legislation and Delegations Unit
Department of Further Education, Employment,
- Training and Skills Commission guidelines: Science and Technology
www.tasc.sa.gov.au GPO Box 320
- Science, Innovation and Information Economy ADELAIDE SA 5001
information: www.dfeest.sa.gov.au
- General DFEEST information: www.dfeest.sa.gov.au Telephone enquiries can be made on (08) 8226 3276.
Access requests in 2011
During the 2011 calendar year, the department processed
42 Freedom of Information applications under the Act.
Page 90

91. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.9 Management of Human Resources
WORKFORCE DATA EMPLOYEE NUMBERS, GENDER AND STATUS
The following data is based on records from the Human All data has been sourced from employer records. Unless
Resource Information System, Empower, for persons otherwise stated, data relates to the final pay period in June
identified as being employed on 30 June 2011. 2011.
Hourly paid instructors are excluded from most data tables The following tables depict the total number of employees
as they are employed under different conditions and including persons and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
reported accordingly. To combine hourly paid instructors’ employees.
data with regular staff information would result in data
distortion.
Total number of employees
Persons 3 411
Full-Time Equivalents 3 082.5
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
Gender Persons % Persons FTEs % FTEs
Male 1 312 38.5 1 268.9 41.2
Female 2 099 61.5 1 813.5 58.8
Totals 3 411 100 3 082.5 100
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
Number of persons who were recruited to and separated from the
department
Separated from the department 393
Recruited to the department 418
Over Financial Year 2010-11 excluding HPIs and casuals
Page 91

92. Number of persons at 30 June 2011
On Leave Without Pay 140
Excluding HPIs and casuals
Age Bracket Female Male Total % of Total Workforce
Benchmark
15 - 19 years 5 2 7 0.2 6.4
20 - 24 years 53 13 66 1.9 10.3
25 - 29 years 110 55 165 4.8 10.8
30 - 34 years 194 89 283 8.3 10.1
35 - 39 years 209 117 326 9.6 10.1
40 - 44 years 274 140 414 12.1 11.3
45 - 49 years 293 175 468 13.7 11.5
50 - 54 years 377 241 618 18.1 11.4
55 - 59 years 351 246 597 17.5 9.2
60 - 64 years 184 182 366 10.7 5.7
Over 65 years 49 52 101 3 3.3
TOTAL 2 099 1 312 3 411 100 100
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Demographic Statistics, 6291.0.55.001 Labour Force Status (ST LM8) total
from Supertable, SA as at June 2010
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
Page 92

93. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
Number of employees by salary bracket
Salary Bracket Female Male
$1 - $50,399 621 132
$50,400 - $64,099 321 142
$64,100 - $82,099 829 742
$82,100 - $103,599 279 252
$103,600 + 49 44
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
Number of executives by gender and classification
Classification Tenure Female Male
EM-C Y 6 3
EXEC ULE N 0 1
SAES-1 N 15 11
SAES-2 N 2 4
Total 23 19
As at 30 June 2011
Page 93

94. Status of employees in current position (excluding hourly paid instructors)
Ongoing Short-Term Long-Term Other Total
Contract* Contract (Casuals)
Male 1 132 155 25 17 1 329
Female 1 714 354 31 78 2 177
Total 2 846 509 56 95 3 506
* Short-term contracts are under two years; long-term contracts are over two years
As at 30 June 2011 including casual employees
Status of FTE employees in current position (excluding hourly paid instructors)
Ongoing Short-Term Long-Term Other (Casuals) Total
Contract Contract
Male 1 102.20 141.82 24.90 5.1 1 274.0
Female 1 484.79 300.54 28.20 28.5 1 842
Total 2 586.99 442.36 53.10 33.6 3 116
As at 30 June 2011 including casual employees
Hourly Paid Instructors
In total, 1 849 individual hourly paid instructors (as 218.6 full-time equivalent) provided 209 864 teaching hours at a cost
of $12.9 million.
Page 94

95. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EMPLOYEES
Male Female Total % of Agency %Target*
24 41 65** 1.9 2.0
*Target set by SASP
** as at 5 January 2012
APPRENTICES, TRAINEES AND CADETS
Male Female
Apprentices 1 0
Trainees 1 7
Cadets 0 2
CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY
Male Female Total % of % SA
Agency Community
Number of employees born overseas 92 148 240 7 20.3
Number of employees who speak 61 71 132 3.9 12.2
language(s) other than English at home
Benchmarks from ABS Publication Basic Community Profile (SA) Cat No. 2001.0
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Male Female
Graduates 8 7
Page 95

96. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WITH AN ONGOING DISABILITY
This table indicates the number of employees who have self-identified as having an ongoing disability.
Male Female Total % of Agency
16 15 31 0.9
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES WITH A DISABILITY REQUIRING WORKPLACE ADAPTATION
Male Female Total % of Agency
3 2 5 0.15
As at 30 June 2011 excluding HPIs and casuals
LEAVE MANAGEMENT
The following table depicts the average days taken per FTE There is a 2 percent increase in leave from 2009-10 to 2010
(excluding hourly paid instructors and casuals) over the -11. A further investigation of the data reveals that
2010-2011 Financial Year. Sick Leave is inclusive of Family although there were more employees in 2010-11 who
Carer’s Leave. took no sick leave, those who did take sick leave took
slightly more sick leave. As DFEEST’s employee population
The types of leave contained within Special Leave With Pay ages, more employees are experiencing sickness that results
include Paid Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, in long-term absences. As a result, the average sick leave
Miscellaneous Special Leave and Workers per FTE increases.
Compensation Leave.
07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11
Sick Leave 7.6 8.2 8.2 8.4
Special Leave with Pay 2.3 2.5 3.2 3.2
Average Leave Days taken per FTE over each Financial Year
Page 96

97. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
The data below has been extracted from an employee
PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT
climate survey, known as BULB. DFEEST is currently in the
A job capability framework was developed in 2011 to process of developing a system to provide a fit-for-purpose
identify the essential capabilities required for DFEEST to be performance coaching and professional development
a high-performing organisation. The framework describes recording system that supports individual staff,
the competency requirements of: communication; positive management and corporate needs. The new system will
working relationships; business excellence; achieve results; be operational by the end of 2012, and provide an
strategic and operational thinking; and technical expertise. accurate data set to facilitate statutory, tactical and strategic
Funding was then allocated to professional development business intelligence needs.
activities that will build the capacity of staff at all levels
against the capability framework. Leadership and Management Training Expenditure
Leadership and management training is funded across the
Performance Coaching department by DFEEST Corporate Services, individual
DFEEST and TAFE SA placed a stronger focus on directorates and TAFE SA institutes. Funds are allocated to
performance development in 2011, commissioning a new Capacity Building and programs of activity are negotiated
Performance Coaching Framework, which included a annually, based on the business needs and future
revised policy, procedure and supporting templates for directions of the agency. DFEEST has a strong Leadership
TAFE Act, Public Sector Act and South Australian Executive and Management Development Program that has specific
Service executives. programs for management, leadership and executive
development.
To support the rollout of the Performance Coaching
Framework, mandatory training commenced in October The majority of TAFE SA employees are TAFE Act lecturers;
2011 and was delivered to DFEEST and TAFE SA executives therefore staff development expenditure is spent
and line managers to assist in building the capability of our predominantly in the areas of teaching and learning to
managers and leaders to hold the conversations that are ensure lecturers have the relevant knowledge and skills to
essential to creating a performance culture. maintain educational and industry currency. An evaluation
of lecturer capabilities in the areas of VET and industry
It was vital to the success of the performance coaching currency commenced in 2010. This program will be
training that the rollout commenced at executive level. finalised in all three institutes in 2012 and the resulting
Executive leadership and commitment to performance evidence will inform development programs over the
coaching is critical to building a performance culture in following two years.
DFEEST.
Training and Development Total Cost % of Total Salary
Expenditure
Total training and development expenditure $3 731 587 2
Total leadership and management development expenditure $294 603 0.2
Accredited Training Packages
The accredited training packages in the table below are sourced from the Public Service Training Package.
Classification Number of Accredited Training Packages
ASO3 – ASO5 PSP51104 - Diploma of Government
BSB51407 - Diploma of Project Management (Capacity Building)
ASO6 and above – Leadership BSB51107 - Diploma of Management
Development Program
BSB61407 - Advanced Diploma of Management (Capacity Building)
ASO2 and above PSP40104 - Certificate IV in Government (DFEEST Graduate Program)
BSB40807 - Certificate IV in Frontline Management (Capacity Building)
Page 97

98. Leadership and Management Capability Development System
Program # of Development Mentoring/coaching Project
participants workshops
1-2 day Mentoring/coaching
Management Group
17 workshops by middle-level
Development Program Project
each month manager
1-2 day Mentoring by a
Leadership Group
21 workshops departmental
Development Program Project
each month executive
Leadership Action Individual executive
2 day workshops Individual
Learning Teams 14 coaching sessions
every 6-8 weeks Project
Program (six)
Total 52
Management Development Program Leadership Action Learning Teams Program
The Management Development Program is an accredited The Leadership Action Learning Teams Program is aimed
learning program pitched at existing and next generation at developing employees who have been identified as
managers. The aim of the program is to equip employees high-potential future executives. It is aligned to the South
with operational management skills, such as how to deliver Australian Executive Services competency framework. This
effective client services, how to manage resources, how to program is based on implementing behavioural change
manage risk and change, increase understanding of within participants through group and individual coaching.
government compliance, as well as how to It also provides each participant with the opportunity and
manage people. support to implement a strategic project in their work area.
The program is most suitable for those who already have a
Leadership Development Program management qualification, or those who are seeking
coaching on their leadership style, as it is not aligned to
The Leadership Development Program is an accredited a qualification.
program targeting both high-potential and current leaders.
It aims to equip participants with strategic thinking skills,
knowledge of how to facilitate change, increase
self-awareness of leadership behaviours, understand
how to engage and inspire people, as well as
comprehend the context of leading in the broader
South Australian government.
Page 98

99. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
Voluntary Flexible Working Arrangements
This table depicts the various components of voluntary Staff employed under the TAFE Act and Weekly Paid Act
flexible working arrangements which are utilised by are not entitled to utilise the full suite of Voluntary Flexible
departmental staff. Working Arrangements available to Public Sector Act
employees.
Male Female Total
Purchased leave 1 0 1
Flexitime 207 599 806
Compressed weeks 3 7 10
Part-time job share 1 12 13
Working from home 3 6 9
Flexitime and working from home 3 9 12
Flexitime and compressed weeks 6 7 13
Flexitime and compressed weeks and working from
2 0 2
home
Flexitime and part-time job share 0 20 20
Flexitime and part-time job share and working from
0 1 1
home
Flexitime and purchased leave 1 4 5
Total 227 665 892
Page 99

100. WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
During the 2010-11 financial year, DFEEST continued to Significant investment continued in 2010-11 for the
build upon and further improve previous years’ positive TAFE SA machine management program with an extra
workplace health and safety results. $500 000 being allocated to fast-track safety outcomes
from the project. To date, approximately $3.5 million has
DFEEST’s Strategic Plan 2010-2014, Goal 7 DFEEST is a high been spent on improving safety of plant and equipment so
-performance organisation states that DFEEST’s workforce that students and staff are safe. Improvement was also
will have a healthy and safe environment in which to work. achieved in the prevention of psychological injuries with
This is aligned to SASP Target 21 - Greater safety at work only 12 new injuries compared to 22 in the previous year.
(achieve the nationally agreed target of 40 percent
reduction in injury by 2012), Target 13 - Work/life balance The year 2011 saw DFEEST being critically assessed in
(improve the quality of life of all South Australians through OHS&W and Injury Management with a WorkCover
maintenance of a healthy work/life balance) and Target 86 Evaluation. As a result of improvements and refinement of
- Psychological wellbeing (equal or lower than the DFEEST’s management system, DFEEST was awarded
Australian average for psychological distress by 2014). Level 2 under the Natural Consequences Model for Self-
Insurers. This achievement recognises that DFEEST has a
For the financial year, DFEEST’s performance in workplace mature management system that is continually improving.
health and safety continues to significantly improve.
TAFE SA provides training in all high-risk industries and There will be substantial challenges faced by DFEEST in
TAFE SA’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of staff 2012 with the introduction of the pending Workplace
and students is held in the highest regard. Health and Safety Act, Skills for All reforms and the
establishment of TAFE SA as a Statutory Authority.
In the 2010-11 financial year, DFEEST recorded 55 new
injuries. This was a 32 percent reduction from the previous
financial year. Of the 55 new injuries there was a
24 percent reduction in those incurring lost time (25 WORKFORCE RELATIONS
injuries) compared to the previous year. Total costs of A high level of industrial and employee relations advice and
workers compensation reduced by $408 174 (13 percent support to management and human resource staff has
reduction) from the previous financial year. continued to be provided in an efficient and timely manner.
During 2011, DFEEST was again recognised at the
SafeWork SA Awards with Mr Jorgen Andersen winning A total of 49 staff disciplinary or grievance-related matters
the category Best Individual Contribution to Workplace were investigated with 43 being satisfactorily completed
Health and Safety. This is now the fourth time an employee and the others still pending.
of DFEEST has won an occupational health, safety and
welfare (OHS&W) award and demonstrates the
commitment and contribution of DFEEST employees to a
safe work environment.
Page 100

101. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
*
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY MANAGEMENT
2010-11 2009-10 2008-09
1 OHS Legislative Requirements (includes incidents involving students, contractors and visitors)
Number of notifiable occurrences pursuant to OHS&W Regulations 9 (2 from students & 4 11 (4 from students 7 (3 from students)
Division 6.6 from contractors) and 3 from
contractors)
Number of notifiable injuries pursuant to OHS&W Regulations Division 5 (1 from student & 2 1 (student) 1
6.6 from contractors)
Number of notices served pursuant to OHS&W Act s35, s39 and s40 3 (1 from contractor) 4 (3 from students) 12 (relate to 4
incidents)
2 Injury Management Legislative Requirements
Total number of new claimants who participated in the rehabilitation 24 30 23
program
Total number of employees rehabilitated and reassigned to alternative 0 2 2
duties
Total number of employees rehabilitated back to their original work 7 6 4
3 WorkCover Action Limits
Number of open claims as at 30 June 2010 123 163 182
Percentage of workers compensation expenditure over gross annual 0.0109 0.0123 0.0137
remuneration
4 Number of Injuries
Number of new workers compensation claims in the financial year 55 81 74
Number of fatalities, lost time injuries, medical treatment only
(F) 0 0
0
(LTI) 33 27
25
(MTO) 48 47
30
Total number of whole working days lost 6 397 6 141 8 198
5 Cost of Workers Compensation
Cost of new claims for the financial year $439 273 $440 677 $417 802
Cost of all claims excluding lump sum payments $2 011 885 $1 957 661 $2 328 242
Amount paid for lump sum payments (s42, s43, s44) $691 886 $1 154 284 $726 837
Total claims expenditure $2 703 771 $3 111 945 $3 055 079
Total amount recovered from external sources (s54) $180 000 $147 937 $0.00
Budget allocation for workers compensation $3 000 000 $3 200 000 $3 200 000
Actuarial (Outstanding) Liability $9 025 481 $8 091 903 $7 411 427
6 Trends
**Injury frequency rate for new lost-time injury/disease for each million
4.6 5.9 4.9
hours worked
Most frequent cause (mechanism) of injury Body Stressing Body Stressing Body Stressing
Most expensive cause (mechanism) of injury Mental Stress Mental Stress Mental Stress
* Occupational Health Safety and Injury Management Reporting is based on financial year as determined by the Australian Standard. Prior to 2006/07 re-
porting was based on Calendar Year as determined by the TAFE Act.
** Based on Lost Time Flag (i.e. ≥ 1 day or shift.
Page 101

102. 4.10 Reconciliation
The department works closely with Reconciliation SA and The department’s commitment to working collaboratively
other South Australian government agencies to achieve with Aboriginal communities to develop an updated
the government’s commitment to Reconciliation. Reconciliation Statement resulted in the signing and launch
of the Reconciliation Statement by Kaurna Aboriginal
The department’s commitment was symbolised by Elders. The department further committed to distributing
employees placing their hand print on canvas during copies of the signed and framed Reconciliation Statement
Reconciliation Week 2010. The “Future Generations” and Acknowledgement banner to 18 TAFE SA campuses
canvasses, where employees’ children placed their hand located within the recognised traditional Kaurna lands. As
print, were launched during Reconciliation Week 2011 as a such, the department is engaging with recognised
gesture of an intention towards a collaborative journey to traditional owners in areas where TAFE SA campuses are
unite in the true spirit of Reconciliation. The canvasses are located.
displayed in the main reception area on Level 4,
11 Waymouth Street. A new Reconciliation Action Committee was established to
include a broader cross-section of employees and
The department facilitated a variety of cultural activities and representation across all directorates to promote,
events to celebrate Aboriginal culture during Reconciliation investigate and implement appropriate activities across the
Week 2011. Tauondi College hosted tours of its museum department. The department committed considerable
for the department’s staff, which was an excellent funds to build a culturally inclusive environment which will
opportunity to gain insight into Aboriginal culture and promote decision-making that is inclusive of Aboriginal
history. Tauondi also provided ten pieces of student people and to monitor the activities in the Reconciliation
artwork for the department to showcase. The department Action Plan.
was extremely fortunate to host an Artist-in-Residence, with
staff afforded an opportunity to observe and interact with Work continues on the Aboriginal Employment Strategy
the artist regarding his cultural background and artwork. 2010-2015 – Building a Culturally Inclusive Workforce
which aims to increase the participation of Aboriginal
people in the department’s workforce.
Page 102

103. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.11 Sustainability
(incorporating Energy Efficiency Action Plans and Greening of Government Operations)
The sustainability reporting is aligned to the DFEEST Strategic Plan 2010-2014, the whole-of-government Energy Efficiency
Action Plan and the Greening of Government Operations plans, which are all linked to various targets in the State Strategic
Plan, of which the following objectives, goals and aims are as follows.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Year being reported Energy Use (GJ) GHG Emissions (t/CO2e) Business Measure MJ/m
2010-11 167 651 25 260 386
2009-10 177 337 29 860 405
Energy Consumption Targets
Base year 2000-2001 156 222 49 878 376
Target for 2010-11 132 191 42 425 304
Target for 2014-15 122 524 38 584 282
Corporate
2010-11 2 135 426 217
2009-10 2 353 548 224
TAFE SA Adelaide North
2010-11 83 353 12 420 458
2009-10 93 697 14 934 505
TAFE SA Adelaide South
2010-11 54 221 7 903 385
2009-10 53 486 9 251 384
TAFE SA Regional
2010-11 27 942 4 511 273
2009-10 27 801 5 127 272
Notes:
- Energy use is expressed in gigajoules (GJ) and is the sum of all fuel types used in our facilities (electricity, natural and bottled gas) for
that period.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions are expressed in tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent, which is a combination of six recognised
greenhouse gases; (Carbon Dioxide CO2, Methane CH4, Nitrous Oxide N2O, Hydrofluorocarbons HFCs, Perfluorocarbons PFCs and
Sulphur Hexafluoride SF6).
- The key performance indicator for energy efficiency is energy intensity; the amount of energy consumed per unit of a given business
measure. DFEEST uses the net size of all of our facilities in m 2. This is a common measure used across many agencies.
- It is acknowledged that portfolio structures change over time. Therefore the portfolio baseline will represent the structure of the
portfolio in the given reporting period.
Page 103

104. SIGNIFICANT ENERGY MANAGEMENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Overall, the department’s results in relation to energy TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute
efficiency are below target, yet they are a considerable TAFE SA Adelaide North Institute reduced its energy
improvement over the previous reporting period (2009-10). consumption by 11 percent compared to the previous
There has been a net decrease in energy use of 5.5 percent reporting period. This was a result of a number of
across the department. Of the three TAFE SA institutes, two initiatives including:
have increased their energy use: TAFE SA Adelaide South
by 1.4 percent and TAFE SA Regional by 0.5 percent. TAFE - Regency Cogeneration Unit has undergone
SA Adelaide North reduced its energy use by 11 percent. repairs which has affected its ongoing operations.
This unit operates on natural gas and when
The ageing of TAFE SA facilities and increased operational provides heat and electrical power to
business outcomes contribute towards increased the site, reducing our need to purchase electricity
energy consumption. from the grid
However, DFEEST has endeavoured to improve its energy - Lighting: further rollout of the Axion Emergency
performance and some of the initiatives are detailed below. Lighting System to Regency and Tea Tree Gully
campuses. This system replaces emergency
lighting with low wattage LED lighting
Corporate DFEEST - Participated in Earth Hour 2011 through
DFEEST’s occupation in the 5-star green City Central reviewing energy requirements for their campuses
(11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide) consumed 9.3 percent less and increasing the awareness amongst staff of our
energy compared to the previous reporting period. A environmental impacts
number of initiatives contributed to this success: - TAFE SA Renewable Energy Centre working in
partnership with Royal Rewinds Mechanical and
Earth Hour 2011
Engineering installed a three kilowatt wind turbine
A review of the building management systems across
as part of the renewable energy project.
Corporate DFEEST and all TAFE SA institutes to maximise
energy efficiencies was conducted, and staff were
encouraged to acknowledge our impacts on the
environment as part of the department’s participation in TAFE Adelaide South Institute
Earth Hour 2011. Over 134 countries participated in this TAFE SA Adelaide South Institute increased its energy
international awareness-raising event. consumption by 1.4 percent compared to the previous
reporting period. To counter this increase, the institute has
National Australian Built Environment Rating System – implemented the following initiatives:
City Central Energy Rating
DFEEST is the largest tenant in City Central (occupies 6 - Noarlunga: an $8.7 million upgrade included a
levels) and in February 2011 the building was awarded a 5- 15 kWh solar power generation system with
star rating for base building energy efficiency. DFEEST 84 solar panels. This system has generated
undertook a lighting control system review in late 2010 to 35 100 kWh’s since July 2010. 1600 light fittings
ensure maximum efficiency of the tenancies lighting. were upgraded to energy efficient T5 lights and
additional LED downlights were installed in the
ICT John Reynella Restaurant
DFEEST ICT has been instrumental in strongly reducing
ICT-related energy usage through new ‘virtual’ equipment - Participated in Earth Hour 2011 through
(blade servers) replacing inefficient ICT components. The reviewing energy requirements for their campuses
floor level ICT is located on realised a 13.5 percent and increasing the awareness amongst staff of our
reduction in energy usage, whilst three of the other floor environmental impacts.
levels reduced their energy usage by an average of
5 percent. A focus on printer settings and equipment
utilisation such as automatic power shutdown of PCs, and
newer more efficient PCs and monitors have all contributed
to reducing energy consumption.
Page 104

105. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
TAFE SA Regional Initiatives planned for 2011-12
TAFE SA Regional increased its energy consumption by Sustainability initiatives for 2011-12 include:
0.5 percent compared to the previous reporting period. To
counter this increase, the institute has implemented the - Adelaide: A $3.8 million refurbishment of the
following initiatives: ground floor area into a client services area
includes energy efficient lighting and updated
- Berri: existing solar power generation system of air-conditioning
1.5 kWh has generated an estimated 3 200 kWh’s
- Berri: Additions of 54 solar panels (10 kWh) to
this financial year
the existing solar power generation system
- Gawler: A $100 000 project was completed to are planned
install energy efficient T5 and LED lighting
- Murray Bridge: the second stage refurbishment of
throughout the campus
the Library and Client Services areas will include
- Mount Gambier: existing solar power generation replacement of inefficient lighting with more
system of 14.5 kWh has generated an estimated efficient T5 lighting. Additions of 54 solar panels
19 000 kWh’s this financial year (10 kWh) to the existing solar power generation
system are planned
- Murray Bridge: a $300 000 project was completed
as a first stage in consolidating the Library and - Whyalla: Two 1.5 kWh solar power generation
Client Services areas, including upgrades to more systems are planned.
efficient lighting. An existing solar power
generation system of 1.5 kWh has generated an
estimated 3200 kWh’s this financial year
- Victor Harbor: existing solar power generation
system of 22.7 kWh has generated an estimated
26 500 kWh’s this financial year
- Participated in Earth Hour 2011 through
reviewing energy requirements for their campuses
and increasing the awareness amongst staff of our
environmental impacts.
Page 105

106. WATER USAGE
DFEEST’s water conservation measures for TAFE SA Regional - Specific Water
2010-11 have been outstanding. The Conservation Initiatives
department consumed 4.6 percent less water Urrbrae campus: ongoing development of
than during the previous period; however, water capture, storage and reuse to toilet
water-related costs increased by 9.2 percent. blocks, nursery, aquaculture and local piggery
Since 2002-03 the department has reduced its onsite. Development this year has been
water consumption by 39 percent. towards connecting the two wetlands at this
site in order to provide back-up water to the
Extensive use of native vegetation replacing TAFE SA nursery/toilets and for irrigation.
lawn areas throughout TAFE SA campuses
across all institutes has been instrumental in TAFE SA is investigating potential alternative
achieving these results. Ongoing replacement water supplies such as recycled water (e.g. the
of water furniture in kitchens, toilets and Barker Inlet Stormwater Reuse Scheme).
general wet areas to water-efficient taps,
showerheads and toilet ware (supporting the
Water for Good Action 37 and SASP Target 75)
across the three institutes has also contributed
towards this outstanding result.
DFEEST Total Water Consumption 2010-11
Water Consumption (Kilolitres =
Year being reported 2010-11 % of use Expenditure $
1 KL = 1,000 litres)
Institutes
Northern 106 552 64% 519 182
Regional 25 450 15% 236 450
Southern 34 912 21% 331 341
Total 166 914 100% 1 086 973
Base year 2002-03 Water Consumption (Kilolitres) % of use Expenditure $
Institutes
Northern 145 871 54% 325 890
Regional 65 907 26% 177 258
Southern 59 723 20% 326 278
Total 271 501 100% 829 426
DFEEST Target for year being reported 235 717
DFEEST Target for 2014 235 357
Page 106

107. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
WASTE MANAGEMENT
DFEEST has undergone an extensive review of waste The tender anticipates diverting waste from landfill across
management across all sites to consolidate waste our many waste streams in as many sites as possible. The
management under one contract. It is anticipated the new waste products diverted from landfill are anticipated to be
contract will provide auditable reporting of all waste integrated in established recycling centres across the state.
streams, contributing towards SASP Target 67: Zero Waste –
The new waste contract is expected to commence in early
reduce waste to landfill by 35 percent by 2020 (baseline;
2012.
2002-03). Milestone of 25 percent by 2014.
Page 107

108. FLEET MANAGEMENT
DFEEST continues to offset all carbon emissions from our A new reduction target of carbon emission (grams per km)
long-term vehicle fleet with Greenfleet Australia. Since was announced by the Premier in early 2011. Our emission
2008, this collaboration has offset over 6200 tonnes of reduction target is a 10 percent reduction from 2009-10
carbon emissions through the planting of over base year – 248.1 gm/km to 223.2 gm/km by 2014-15.
23 000 trees. Each agency has a specific target.
For this reporting period we are committed to offset an The table below demonstrates the emission offsets from
additional 1045 tonnes of carbon emissions and this our long-term vehicle fleet. Our total fleet was reduced by
equates to $5.52 per vehicle per month. four vehicles overall, of which 123 vehicles are classed as
green/low-emission vehicles, which represents 58 percent
Additionally from 2009-10 we reduced the kilometres of the total fleet from 2009-10. Our four-cylinder fleet has
travelled by 3.9 percent, fuel usage by 6 percent, number increased by 23 vehicles, and represents 26 percent of our
of vehicles by 1.8 percent, tonnes of carbon emissions by total fleet.
1.1 percent and increased fuel cost by 0.8 percent.
Emissions CO2 (grams)
Fuel Expenditure ($)
Number of Vehicles
Fuel Usage (Litres)
Total km travelled
Emissions (t/CO2)
per km
2010 - 2011
213 438 703 $467 131 1 045 245.31 3 951 046
Unleaded (All) 212 512 525
Diesel 112 873 326
LPG/Dual Fuel 113 318 194
123
Green/low-emission vehicles
(58%)
Total 438 703 1 045
Greenfleet carbon offset information
Number of trees 3 899
Total Cost $14 106
$5.52 per vehicle per $66.22 per vehicle per
Cost per vehicle per month & year
month year
Page 108

109. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
TAFE SA SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
TAFE SA has a pivotal role to play in the development of TAFE SA delivered a five-day environmental compliance
sustainable South Australian workforces through the course for the Environmental Protection Authority and
provision of training programs and services that meet the other government agencies during 2011. This is a new
current and future needs of key stakeholder groups. intensive environmental compliance course which is being
TAFE SA also has a vital role to play in the creation and offered by TAFE SA.
distribution of innovative products, processes and practices
across its areas of industry focus. During 2011, TAFE SA launched a Carbon Accounting
short course specifically developed to improve literacy and
TAFE SA is a party to the South Australian VET Sector numeracy skills relating to the challenges of sustainability
Agreement with the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and climate change. The short course consists of two units
and Conservation. The purpose of the agreement is to offered in a three-day workshop environment designed for
show leadership and cooperation in responding to climate students and professionals with a background in disciplines
change through skills development for South Australia’s including sustainability, environmental management,
workforce. To this end, the Regional GreenPrint supports accounting and policy.
the TAFE SA Sustainability and Action Plan 2009-2012, the
South Australian VET Sector Agreement and the National Funding for 180 students was allocated from the PPP for
VET Sector Sustainability and Action Plan to guide TAFE SA’s Diploma of Sustainability. Developed by TAFE SA,
environmentally sustainable development. the Diploma recognises the need to:
A team of TAFE SA Electrical and Engineering students - build a common understanding of sustainability
designed and produced the solar car SolarSpirit Australia, across all sectors of private and public activity to
which competed in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in build capacity for development and
October 2011. implementation of sustainability programs
- develop a common understanding of the
During 2011, the TAFE SA Bachelor of Visual Arts
concepts and language of sustainability
(Printmaking Studio) sought to achieve four core actions:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover. The print studio uses a - introduce the latest techniques for implementing
number of consumables which are expensive and with a sustainability programs.
change in practice by collecting and reusing supplies, Both private and public VET sector employees, business,
funding and waste have been reduced, for example toxic industry and government (e.g. SA Water, Department of
waste substances in the studio are being converted to Environment and Natural Resources) enrolled in the
solvent products using vegetable oil. Diploma, as well as representatives from the private sector
in ‘green’ industries, small business owners and staff
seeking to improve business performance.
SolarSpirit Australia,
the sole South Australian
entrant in the 2011
World Solar Challenge,
successfully completed
the 3000 kilometres from
Darwin to Adelaide.
Page 109

110. Page 110

111. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING
4.12 Urban Design Charter 4.13 Whistleblowers Protection Act 1993
Urban design is integrated within DFEEST’s core systems DFEEST appointed five responsible officers within the
and procedures. Consultants, contractor tenders and major department for the purposes of the Whistleblowers
contracts are managed on behalf of the department by Protection Act 1993. The department received three
DPTI. DFEEST has supported DPTI in the preparation of whistleblower-related allegations during the year. One is
policies, including the impact of our presence in the local being investigated, one was reviewed by the department
community, with a view to integrating with the urban fabric and deemed not to be a whistleblowers complaint and the
so that a positive contribution is made. complainant of the third is reconsidering their concerns.
To initiate the engagement of consultants to undertake
design work, DFEEST collaborates with DPTI to define and/
or request specific urban design principles associated with
the project or request their investigation, including:
- ecologically sustainable development initiatives to
be considered
- specific site issues such as cultural, political and
heritage issues
- corporate parameters (relevant policies, standards
and guidelines)
- specific consultant services required (e.g. tree audits,
traffic management surveys, disability access,
Indigenous/cultural issues).
DFEEST interacts and communicates with the community
through TAFE SA institutes and campuses. With respect to
major projects, the Public Works Committee and DPTI work
on behalf of the department to ensure exposure to a wide
range of community views and scrutiny.
Page 111

112. Page 112

113. SECTION FIVE
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Page 113

114. 5.1 Financial Overview 5.2 Summary of Financial Information
On a comparative basis to 2009-10, expenses decreased by NET RESULT
$2.1 million (or 0.4 percent) in 2010-11 relating primarily to The change in the Net Result from a $40.4 million surplus in
a $7.7 million decrease in employee expenses and partly 2009-10 to a $17.3 million deficit in 2010-11 is attributable
offset by a $2.2 million increase in grants and subsidies and mainly to a decrease in Commonwealth government
a $1.8 million increase in supplies and services. The grants of $38 million (including a $30 million decrease in
decrease in employee expenses was primarily attributable capital grants for TIIFT and BTF) and a decrease in net
to a reduction in Targeted Voluntary Separation Package revenues from the South Australian government of
(TVSP) costs. $17 million. The South Australian government net revenue
DFEEST’s income excluding ‘Revenues from Government’ decrease relates primarily to a reduction in 2010-11 of
decreased by $43.2 million (or 24.0 percent) in 2010-11, appropriation transfers from contingency provisions for
driven by a $37.4 million decrease in Commonwealth once-off items, TVSPs and programs which reached their
revenue. This decrease related primarily to the 2010-11 milestones.
completion of two short-term Commonwealth Programs
titled Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow
(TIIFT) and Better TAFE Facilities (BTF).
BTF and TIIFT were two components of the
Commonwealth’s Teaching and Learning Capital Fund and
essentially one year capital programs with the majority of
revenue paid in instalments during 2009-10, except the
final 5 percent which was paid in 2010-11 following the
acquittal of all projects to the Commonwealth.
The tables provided in this section set out a summary of the
actual results for the 2010-11 financial year. The detailed
financial statements reflecting actual results for 2010-11 are
presented under ’Financial Information’.
Actual Actual
2010-11 2009-10
$’000 $’000
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Expenses 535 685 537 789
Income 136 363 179 518
Net Cost of Providing Services 399 322 358 271
Revenues from Government 382 045 398 710
Net Result (17 277) 40 439
Page 114

115. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
OPERATING REVENUES
Total operating revenues for 2010-11, including revenues
from government were $518.4 million. The principal source
of funding for DFEEST relates to state government
appropriations which in 2010-11 amounted to
$382 million. Other operating revenues included
Commonwealth grants of $28.3 million and $95.2 million
from Student and other Fees and Charges.
The chart to the right depicts an overview of revenue
sources for 2010-11.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee Benefits of $282.9 million amounted to
53 percent of total 2010-11 operating expenses of
$535.7 million. Grants and subsidies expenses totalled
$74.6 million including $24.0 million for employment
programs, $22.4 million for science and information
economy programs, $12.1 million for vocational education
and training programs and $11.2 million for Tertiary
Student Transport Concessions.
The other major component of operating expenses
(supplies and services) amounted to $158.0 million.
Included in this category were $45.5 million for funding to
non-TAFE providers for vocational education and training,
$20.5 million for information technology infrastructure and
communication, $20.5 million for minor works,
maintenance and equipment, $17.7 million for fees for
contracted services and $10.7 million for printing and
consumables. A further $19.3 million was charged to
Depreciation and Amortisation expense.
The chart to the right depicts an overview of operating
expenses for 2010-11.
Page 115

116. OVERVIEW OF OPERATING EXPENSES 2010-11
The following table depicts how expenditure was applied to the following activities in accordance with approved strategic
priorities:
$ Million
Employment and Skills Formation – Vocational Education and Training
443.5
Provision of post-secondary VET by TAFE SA and other registered training organisations including:
- resource allocation of contestable and non-contestable funds;
- funding of apprenticeships and traineeships;
- support for post-secondary training and education; and
- providing state and national policy advice.
Employment and Skills Formation – Learning, Workforce Participation Development and Workforce
Development 54.6
Addressing the state’s economic development and social inclusion objectives by:
- providing opportunities for people to participate in employment, training, skills development, and
adult community education;
- meeting the current and future labour and skill needs of industry; and
- providing state and national policy advice.
Science, Technology and Innovation – Science and Innovation
15.2
Provision of high-level strategic advice to the Minister on maximising economic, environmental and social
benefits from the state’s scientific research and innovation by:
- identifying strategic priorities for state government investment;
- raising awareness and understanding of the benefits of science and innovation amongst
government, business and the community;
- facilitating coordinated and strategic bids for Commonwealth grants; and
- facilitating coordination of education and research activity with end-user (industry) requirements to
maximise the benefits for South Australia.
Science, Technology and Innovation – Bioscience Industry Development
6.9
Development of the bioscience industry through providing assistance in business development, finance,
infrastructure and marketing.
Page 116

117. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
$ Million
Employment and Skills Formation – Regulatory Services
6.7
Administering the state’s further education and training system through:
- provision of registration, accreditation and approval services for registered training organisations;
- quality oversight of the state vocational education system, through the Training and Skills
Commission;
- administration of apprenticeships and traineeship system; and
- providing state and national policy advice.
Employment and Skills Formation – International and Higher Education
4.2
Supporting the development of Adelaide as a centre for education, international education and South
Australian education exports including the provision of marketing services, analysis and student and
community support.
Provision of high-level strategic policy advice to the Minister on higher education policy and planning.
Science, Technology and Innovation – Information Economy 2.8
Provision of high-level strategic policy advice to the Minister and government on the information economy
and the ICT sector that:
- raises awareness and understanding of the information economy among government, business,
industry and education providers;
- develops strategy and facilities programs and projects relevant to promoting the information
economy; and
- facilitate bids for significant Commonwealth grants.
Science, Technology and Innovation – Technology Investment 1.8
Provision of seed capital and business guidance to innovative companies commercialising research and
development.
Total 535.7
Page 117

118. SUSTAINABLE BUDGET COMMISSION
The department had constructive engagement with the Overview of Savings Task
Sustainable Budget Commission process during 2010. This Forward Estimates Savings Task for the department ($ 000)
engagement resulted in budget measures of $45 million to are:
be achieved by 2013-14, which are a combination of
expenditure, revenue and asset sales.
Number of 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
measures Budget Estimate Estimate Estimate
2010-11 Budget measures
Included in enhanced monitoring 14 10 476 22 456 37 960 42 155
2008-09 Mid-Year Budget Review Full-time 1 587 1 798 2 445 2 494
Equivalent target
Total 15 11 063 24 254 40 405 44 649
Associated Full-Time Equivalent Reduction 106.0 146.1 170.5 221.5
Detail and total as per the 2010-11 Budget Measures Statement.
Overview of Implementation Plan
Budget measures are a combination of expenditure The department’s priority in implementation planning
efficiencies, asset sales, revenue measures and grant/ will be to both meet budget requirements and deliver
service rationalisation. on the government’s objective of increasing skill levels
in the labour force.
Page 118

119. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
5.3 AUDITED GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$'000 $'000
EXPENSES
Employee Benefits 5 282,907 290,632
Supplies and Services 6 157,975 156,180
Grants and Subsidies 7 74,553 72,305
Depreciation and Amortisation 8 19,299 17,854
Net Loss from the Disposal of Non-Current Assets 15 469 131
Other Expenses 9 482 687
Total EXPENSES 535,685 537,789
INCOME
Commonwealth Grants 11 28,386 65,792
Student and Other Fees and Charges 12 95,231 100,607
Other Grants and Contributions 13 8,305 9,889
Investment Income 14 323 11
Other Income 16 4,118 3,219
Total INCOME 136,363 179,518
NET COST OF PROVIDING SERVICES 399,322 358,271
REVENUES FROM/PAYMENTS TO SA GOVERNMENT
Revenues from SA Government 17 394,688 408,633
Less Payments to SA Government 17 12,643 9,923
Total REVENUES FROM/PAYMENTS TO SA GOVERNMENT 382,045 398,710
NET RESULT (17,277) 40,439
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Changes in property, plant and equipment asset revaluation surplus (2,374) 0
Change in Financial Assets Available-for-sale revaluation surplus 29 1,108 685
Total COMPREHENSIVE RESULT (18,543) 41,124
THE NET RESULT AND COMPREHENSIVE RESULT ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
GOVERNMENT AS OWNER
Page 119

120. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - AS AT 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$'000 $'000
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents 18 64,675 85,981
Receivables 19 17,041 17,898
Inventories 23 887 972
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 20 1,578 0
Total CURRENT ASSETS 84,181 104,851
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Receivables 19 239 248
Investments 29 4,999 3,891
Property, Plant and Equipment 21 635,681 650,691
Intangibles 22 15,895 9,909
Total NON-CURRENT ASSETS 656,814 664,739
TOTAL ASSETS 740,995 769,590
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables 24 27,612 39,407
Employee benefits 25 27,777 23,898
Provisions 26 2,101 1,934
Unearned Revenue 27 4,827 7,211
Other Current Liabilities 28 753 1,135
Total CURRENT LIABILITIES 63,070 73,585
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables 24 1,984 2,023
Employee benefits 25 48,114 48,379
Provisions 26 7,091 6,306
Total NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 57,189 56,708
TOTAL LIABILITIES 120,259 130,293
NET ASSETS 620,736 639,297
EQUITY
Retained Earnings 31 395,220 412,515
Financial Asset Available-for-Sale Revaluation surplus 31 2,395 1,287
Asset revaluation surplus 31 223,121 225,495
Total EQUITY 620,736 639,297
The Total Equity is attributable to the SA Government as owner
UNRECOGNISED CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS 32
CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 33
Page 120

121. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Available-for-Sale
Financial Asset
Revaluation
Revaluation
Retained
Earnings
Surplus
Surplus
Asset
Total
Note
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Balance at 30 June 2009 225,495 602 370,929 597,026
Error Correction 0 0 (550) (550)
Changes in accounting policy 3 0 0 400 400
Restated balance at 30 June 2009 225,495 602 370,779 596,876
Net Result for 2009-10 0 0 40,439 40,439
Change in Financial Assets available-for-sale 0 685 0 685
Total comprehensive result 2009-10 0 685 40,439 41,124
Net assets transferred as a result of an
administrative restructure 0 0 140 140
Balance at 30 June 2010 225,495 1,287 411,358 638,140
Changes in Accounting Policy 3 0 0 1,303 1,303
Error Correction 0 0 (146) (146)
Restated balance at 30 June 2010 225,495 1,287 412,515 639,297
Net Result for 2010-11 0 0 (17,277) (17,277)
Change in Financial Assets available-for-sale 29 0 1,108 0 1,108
Loss on revaluation of library during 2010-11 (2,374) 0 0 (2,374)
Total comprehensive result 2010-11 (2,374) 1,108 (17,277) (18,543)
Net assets received as a result of an administrative
restructure 34 0 0 (18) (18)
Balance at 30 June 2011 223,121 2,395 395,220 620,736
All changes in equity are attributable to the SA Government as owner
Page 121

122. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
Inflows Inflows
Note (Outflows) (Outflows)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
CASH OUTFLOWS
Employee benefit payments (277,944) (291,016)
Payments for supplies and services (182,142) (177,081)
Payments of grants and subsidies (74,553) (72,305)
GST paid to the ATO (4,215) (4,126)
Other payments (292) (835)
Cash used in operations (539,146) (545,363)
CASH INFLOWS
Commonwealth grants 28,386 65,792
Student and other fees and charges 96,519 97,878
Other grants and contributions 8,305 9,831
Interest received 38 11
GST recovered from the ATO 19,650 18,566
Dividends received 285 0
Other receipts 3,969 4,453
Cash generated from operations 157,152 196,531
CASH FLOWS FROM SA GOVERNMENT:
Receipts from SA Government 394,688 408,633
Payments to SA Government (12,643) (9,923)
Cash generated from SA Government 382,045 398,710
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 37 51 49,878
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash Outflows
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (15,811) (34,418)
Purchase of intangibles (5,557) (7,338)
Cash used in investing activities (21,368) (41,756)
Cash Inflows
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment 11 613
Cash generated from investing activities 11 613
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (21,357) (41,143)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash Outflows
Cash transferred as a result of restructuring activities 0 (542)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 0 (542)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (21,306) 8,193
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 1 JULY 2010 85,981 77,788
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 30 JUNE 2011 18 64,675 85,981
Page 122

123. DISAGGREGATED DISCLOSURES - EXPENSES AND INCOME - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Employment and Skills Formation Science, Technology and Innovation
Learning,
Workforce
Vocational Participation & International Bioscience
Education Workforce Regulatory and Higher Science and Information Industry Innovation
and Training Develop Services Education Innovation Economy Development Investment Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Expenses
Employee benefits 253,907 18,588 5,638 1,565 2,492 717 0 0 282,907
Supplies and services 148,931 5,972 1,058 1,020 509 485 0 0 157,975
Grants and subsidies 20,430 30,039 0 1,630 12,217 1,579 6,882 1,776 74,553
Depreciation and Amortisation 19,299 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19,299
Net Loss on disposal of assets 469 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 469
Other expenses 450 15 12 2 2 1 0 0 482
Total Expenses 443,486 54,614 6,708 4,217 15,220 2,782 6,882 1,776 535,685
Income
Commonwealth grants 19,722 8,621 1 0 0 42 0 0 28,386
Student and other fees and
charges 94,461 93 654 9 10 4 0 0 95,231
Other grants and contributions 5,003 3,126 1 0 175 0 0 0 8,305
Investment income 295 18 5 2 2 1 0 0 323
Other income 3,688 92 38 82 145 73 0 0 4,118
Total Income 123,169 11,950 699 93 332 120 0 0 136,363
Net Cost of Providing Services 320,317 42,664 6,009 4,124 14,888 2,662 6,882 1,776 399,322
Revenues from/payments to
SA Government
Revenues from SA Government 311,668 46,918 6,009 4,092 14,702 2,641 6,882 1,776 394,688
Payments to SA Government (12,643) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (12,643)
Net Result (21,292) 4,254 0 (32) (186) (21) 0 0 (17,277)
Page 123

124. DISAGGREGATED DISCLOSURES - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Page 124
Employment and Skills Formation Science, Technology and Innovation
Learning,
Workforce
Vocational Participation & International Bioscience General/
Education Workforce Regulatory and Higher Science and Information Industry Innovation Not
and Training Develop Services Education Innovation Economy Development Investment attributable Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Assets
Cash & Cash Equivalents 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64,675 64,675
Receivables 12,529 66 154 1 4 0 0 0 4,526 17,280
Inventories 887 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 887
Non-current Assets Held for
Sale 1,578 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,578
Investments 0 0 0 4,999 0 0 0 0 0 4,999
Property, Plant & Equipment 634,977 444 141 39 61 19 0 0 0 635,681
Intangibles 15,895 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15,895
Total Assets 665,866 510 295 5,039 65 19 0 0 69,201 740,995
Liabilities
Payables 20,218 1,483 92 22 455 462 0 0 6,864 29,596
Employee Benefits 67,630 5,340 1,619 302 838 162 0 0 0 75,891
Provisions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,192 9,192
Unearned Revenue 4,827 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,827
Other Liabilities 464 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 283 753
Total Liabilities 93,139 6,828 1,711 325 1,293 624 0 0 16,339 120,259
Net Assets 572,727 (6,318) (1,416) 4,714 (1,228) (605) 0 0 52,862 620,736

125. DISAGGREGATED DISCLOSURES - EXPENSES AND INCOME - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Employment and Skills Formation Science, Technology and Innovation
Learning,
Vocational Workforce International Bioscience In-
Education Development Regulatory and Higher Science and Information dustry Devel- Technology
and Training & Employment Services Education Innovation Economy opment Investment Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Expenses
Employee benefits 270,987 11,326 4,067 872 1,483 1,897 0 0 290,632
Supplies and services 148,810 4,856 1,279 222 528 485 0 0 156,180
Grants and subsidies 29,454 15,471 360 1,617 13,362 2,898 7,556 1,587 72,305
Depreciation and Amortisation 17,854 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17,854
Net Loss on disposal of assets 122 5 2 0 1 1 0 0 131
Other expenses 651 18 13 1 2 2 0 0 687
Total Expenses 467,878 31,676 5,721 2,712 15,376 5,283 7,556 1,587 537,789
Income
Commonwealth grants 65,068 573 4 1 44 102 0 0 65,792
Student and other fees and charg-
es 99,974 118 512 0 1 2 0 0 100,607
Other grants and contributions 8,619 1,266 1 2 0 1 0 0 9,889
Investment income 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11
Other income 2,894 0 184 18 90 33 0 0 3,219
Total Income 176,566 1,957 701 21 135 138 0 0 179,518
Net Cost of Providing Services 291,312 29,719 5,020 2,691 15,241 5,145 7,556 1,587 358,271
Revenues from/payments to
SA Government
Revenues from SA Government 339,750 29,845 5,870 4,281 15,062 4,682 7,556 1,587 408,633
Payments to SA Government (9,923) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (9,923)
Net Result 38,515 126 850 1,590 (179) (463) 0 0 40,439
Page 125

126. DISAGGREGATED DISCLOSURES - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Page 126
Employment and Skills Formation Science, Technology and Innovation
Learning,
Vocational Workforce International Bioscience General/
Education Development & Regulatory and Higher Science and Information Industry Technology Not
and Training Employment Services Education Innovation Economy Development Investment attributable Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Assets
Cash & Cash Equivalents 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 85,981 85,981
Receivables 12,232 0 637 4 2 22 0 0 5,249 18,146
Inventories 972 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 972
Non-current Assets Held
for Sale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Investments 0 0 0 3,891 0 0 0 0 0 3,891
Property, Plant &
Equipment 650,497 115 39 6 15 19 0 0 0 650,691
Intangibles 9,909 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,909
Total Assets 673,610 115 676 3,901 17 41 0 0 91,230 769,590
Liabilities
Payables 26,443 1,947 55 109 15 142 0 0 12,719 41,430
Employee Benefits 66,939 2,942 1,306 178 407 505 0 0 0 72,277
Provisions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8,240 8,240
Unearned Revenue 7,211 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7,211
Other Liabilities 1,031 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 98 1,135
Total Liabilities 101,624 4,894 1,362 287 422 647 0 0 21,057 130,293
Net Assets 571,986 (4,779) (686) 3,614 (405) (606) 0 (0) 70,173 639,297

127. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
1. Agency Objectives and Funding
(a) Objectives
To develop the skills and capability of the state’s workforce and to maximise the opportunities for all
South Australians to engage in work.
The portfolio plays a central role in achieving 14 of South Australia’s Strategic Plan targets in the areas
of employment, education and training, and science, technology and innovation.
The Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (the Department)
undertakes a range of functions in order to meet its objectives and contribute to the achievement of
South Australia’s Strategic Plan objectives and targets.
This includes:
 in conjunction with the Training and Skills Commission, the provision of strategic policy advice
for developing the state’s workforce;
 ensuring high quality vocational education and training (VET) delivered by TAFE institutes,
private registered training organisations and adult community education providers;
 regulation of VET organisations, university and non-university higher education providers, and
providers of English language intensive courses for overseas students;
 regulation, administration and funding of apprenticeships and traineeships;
 managing State funded employment and community development programs;
 supporting the Government’s strategic direction in the higher education sector;
 raising the profile of South Australia in the international education market place;
 developing policies and strategies, and delivery of programs, that create opportunities for
Aboriginal people, young people, people with a disability and older workers; and
 provision of strategic advice and delivery of programs in the areas of science, technology,
information economy and innovation policy.
(a) Funding
The Department is predominantly funded by State Government appropriations supplemented by
Commonwealth grants. In addition income is generated from sales and fee for service.
These include:
 student fees and charges;
 training for various organisations;
 sale of curriculum material;
 hire of facilities and equipment.
The financial activities of the Department are primarily conducted through a Special Deposit Account
with the Department of Treasury and Finance pursuant to Section 8 of the Public Finance and Audit
Act 1987. The Special Deposit Account is used for funds provided by State Government appropriation,
Commonwealth grants and revenues from fees and charges.
Page 127

128. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(a) Principles of Consolidation
Associates
Associates are all entities over which the Department has significant influence but not control,
generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20 percent and 50 percent of the voting rights.
The Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education has a 100% interest in Austraining
International Pty Ltd. Although the Minister has control over Austraining it is not considered part of the
Department’s operations. The Department cannot influence the decisions of Austraining, nor can the
Department dominate the financial and operational policies of Austraining. Consequently, Austraining
has not been consolidated in the accounts. The value of Austraining is shown in the Statement of
Financial Position under Investments.
Details of the investment in Austraining International Pty Ltd are set out in Note 29.
The Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education has a 25% interest in SABRENet.
SABRENet was registered on 28 September 2005 as a non-profit company limited by guarantee and
has been recognised by the ATO as a tax exempt entity. The founding members are the three South
Australian Universities and the South Australian Government. The objects for which the company was
established are to be a non-profit institution to further the use of advanced data networking for the
conduct of research and education in South Australia for the benefit of South Australia and for the
purposes of economic and social advancement in Australia generally. While the Minister has significant
influence over SABRENet, his interest in SABRENet is limited to his use of SABRENet’s asset (the
network). That is, the Minister receives no return for its interest in SABRENet. SABRENet is not
accounted for using the equity method as the Minister does not have access to the residual assets of
the entity.
Institute Councils are established under section 28 of the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Act.
The council works with the directors of the TAFE institutes in the development of the business plans
and monitors the performance of the institutes. At 30 June 2011 the three institute councils held an
aggregate balance of $1.4 million. This balance is held in an interest-bearing section 21 deposit
account with the Department of Treasury and Finance.
Joint Venture Entities
The Department has a 25% interest in the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). The
interests in this joint venture are not considered to be material to the Department’s core activities.
Consequently, they have not been taken up in the accounts on an equity basis as per AASB 131
Interests in Joint Ventures.
SATAC is a joint venture of the three South Australian universities and the Minister for Education,
Training and Employment. SATAC receives and processes undergraduate and postgraduate
applications for admission to TAFE SA, Charles Darwin University and the three universities in South
Australia.
Page 128

129. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Statement of Compliance
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements. The accounts have been prepared
in accordance with relevant Australian Accounting Standards and Treasurer's Instructions and
Accounting Policy Statements promulgated under the provision of the Public Finance and Audit Act
1987.
Except for AASB 2009-12, which the department has early adopted, Australian Accounting standards
and interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective have not been
adopted by the department for the reporting period ending 30 June 2010. These are outlined in Note 3.
(b) Basis of Preparation
The preparation of the financial statements requires:
 the use of certain accounting estimates and requires management to exercise its judgement in
the process of applying the Department’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher
degree of judgement or where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial
statements are outlined in the applicable notes;
 accounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting
financial information satisfies the concepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the
substance of the underlying transactions or other events are reported;
 compliance with accounting policy statements issued pursuant to section 41 of the Public
Finance and Audit Act 1987. In the interest of public accountability and transparency the
Accounting Policy Statements require the following note disclosures, that have been included in
these financial statements:
(a) revenues, expenses, financial assets and liabilities where the counterparty/transaction is with an
entity within the SA Government as at reporting date, classified according to their nature. A
threshold of $100 000 for separate identification of these items applies;
(b) expenses incurred as a result of engaging consultants (as reported in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income);
(c) employees whose normal remuneration is equal to or greater than the base executive
remuneration level (within $10 000 bandwidths) and the aggregate of the remuneration paid
or payable or otherwise made available, directly or indirectly by the entity to those employees;
and
(d) board/committee member and remuneration information, where a board/committee member
is entitled to receive income from membership other than a direct out-of-pocket reimbursement;
(e) employee targeted voluntary separation package information.
The Department’s Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position and
Statement of Changes in Equity have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with
historical cost convention, except for certain assets that have been valued in accordance with the
valuation policy applicable.
The Statement of Cash Flows has been prepared on a cash basis.
The financial statements have been prepared based on a twelve month period and presented in
Australian currency.
The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the
year ended 30 June 2011 and the comparative information presented for the year ended
30 June 2010.
Page 129

130. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(c) Reporting Entity
The Department is a government department of the State of South Australia, established pursuant to
the Public Sector Act 2009. The Department is an administrative unit acting on behalf of the Crown.
The financial statements and accompanying notes reflect the use of assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses controlled or incurred by the Department in its own right. Transactions and balances
relating to administered resources are not recognised as departmental income, expense, assets and
liabilities. As administered items are insignificant in relation to the department’s overall financial
performance and position, they are disclosed in summary in Note 39 Administered Items.
Except as otherwise disclosed, administered items are accounted for on the same basis and using the
same accounting policies as for departmental items.
(d) Transferred Functions
The Public Sector (Reorganisation of Public Sector Operations) Notice 2010 (dated 1 July 2010)
declared that:
 The Bragg Institute and Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) was transferred from the
Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Department of Further Education, Employment,
Science and Technology, effective 1 July 2010 (refer to Note 34).
(e) Comparative Information
The presentation and classification of items in the financial statements are consistent with prior periods
except where specific accounting standards and/or Accounting Policy Statements has required a
change. Where presentation or classification of items in the financial statements has been amended,
comparative amounts have been reclassified unless reclassification is impracticable.
The restated comparative amounts do not replace the original financial statements for the preceding
period.
(f) Income and Expenses
Income and expenses have been classified according to their nature and have not been offset unless
required or permitted by a specific accounting standard, or where offsetting reflects the substance of
the transaction or other event.
Income
Income is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the flow of economic benefits to the
Department will occur and can be reliably measured.
The following are specific recognition criteria:
 Income from fees and charges is derived from the provision of goods and services to other SA
government agencies and to other clients and is recognised when invoices are raised.
 Income from disposal of non-current assets is recognised when control of the asset has passed
to the buyer and determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount.
 Income from grants is recognised upon receipt of funding.
 Interest income is recognised as it accrues. Dividend income is recognised only when it is
declared.
 Contribution income is recognised when control of the contribution or the right to receive the
contribution and the income recognition criteria are met.
 Appropriations for program funding are recognised as revenues when the Department obtains
control over the funding. Control over appropriations is normally obtained upon their receipt.
Payments to the SA Government include the return of surplus cash pursuant to the cash alignment
policy.
Page 130

131. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Expenses
Expenses are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the flow of economic benefits from the
Department will occur and can be reliably measured.
The following are specific recognition criteria:
Employee benefit expense
Employee benefit expense includes all costs related to employment including wages and salaries and
leave entitlements. These are recognised when incurred.
In regards to superannuation expenses, the amount charged to the Statement of Comprehensive
Income represents the contributions made by the Department to the superannuation plan in respect of
current services of current departmental staff. The Department of Treasury and Finance centrally
recognises the superannuation liability in the whole of government financial statements.
Grant expenses
Grants are amounts provided by the Department to entities for capital, specific or recurrent purposes
and the name or category reflects the use of the grant. The grants given are usually subject to terms
and conditions set out in the contract, correspondence, or by legislation. The grants are paid when the
conditions set out in the contract or correspondence are met.
(g) Current and Non-Current Classification
Assets and liabilities are characterised as either current or non-current in nature. Assets and liabilities that
are sold, consumed or realised as part of the normal operating cycle even when they are not expected
to be realised within twelve months after the reporting date have been classified as current assets or
current liabilities. All other assets and liabilities are classified as non-current.
Where asset and liability line items combine amounts expected to be realised within twelve months and
more than twelve months, the Department has separately disclosed the amounts expected to be
recovered or settled after more than twelve months.
(h) Events after the end of the reporting period
Note disclosure is made about events between 30 June and the date the financial statements are
authorised for issue where the events relate to a condition which arose after 30 June and which may
have a material impact on the results of subsequent years (refer to Note 35).
(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the Statement of Financial Position include cash at bank and on hand.
For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash at bank and
cash on hand.
Cash is measured at nominal value.
Page 131

132. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(j) Receivables
Receivables include amounts receivable from trade, prepayments and other accruals.
Trade receivables arise in the normal course of providing goods and services to other agencies and to
the public. Trade receivables are generally receivable within 30 days after the issue of an invoice or the
goods/services have been provided under a contractual arrangement.
The recoverability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known to be
uncollectible are written off when identified. An allowance for doubtful debts is raised when there is
objective evidence that the Department will not be able to collect the debt.
(k) Inventory
Inventories include goods and other property held either for sale or distribution at no or nominal cost
in the ordinary course of business.
Inventories held for distribution at no or nominal consideration, are measured at cost and adjusted
when applicable for any loss of service potential. Inventories held for sale are measured at the lower
of cost or their net realisable value.
Cost is assigned to low volume inventory items on a specific identification of cost basis.
Inventories comprise of learning modules, food and wine, wine making equipment, books, stationery,
hair and beauty products and timber supplies.
The amount of any inventory write-down to net realisable value/replacement cost or inventory losses
is recognised as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurred. Any write-down reversals
are recognised as an expense reduction.
Bases used in assessing loss of service potential for inventory held for distribution at no or minimal cost
include current replacement cost and technological or functional obsolescence.
(l) Non-Current assets held for sale
Non-current assets are classified as held for sale and stated at the lower of their carrying amount and
fair value less costs to sell if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale
transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale
is highly probable and the asset’s sale is expected to be completed one year from the date of
classification.
Non-current assets classified as held for sale are presented separately from the other assets in the
Statement of Financial Position.
(m) Property, Plant and Equipment
Non-current assets are initially recorded at cost or at the value of any liabilities assumed, plus any
incidental cost involved with the acquisition. Non-current assets (excluding land) are subsequently
measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation. Where assets are acquired for no
consideration, or minimal value, they are recorded at their fair value in the Statement of Financial
Position. However, if the assets are acquired at no or nominal value as part of a restructure of
administrative arrangements then the assets are recognised at book value, ie the amount recorded by
the transferor public authority immediately prior to the restructure.
Componentisation of complex assets is only performed when the complex asset’s fair value at the time
of acquisition is greater than $1 million.
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133. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revaluation of non-current assets
All non-current assets are valued at written down current cost (a proxy for fair value); and revaluation
of non-current assets or group of assets is only performed when its fair value at the time of acquisition
is greater than $1 million and estimated useful life is greater than three years.
Every three years, the Department revalues its land, buildings, improvements and libraries. However, if
at any time management considers that the carrying amount of an asset materially differs from its fair
value, then the asset will be revalued regardless of when the last valuation took place. Non-current
assets that are acquired between revaluations are held at cost until the next valuation, where they are
revalued to fair value.
Any revaluation increment is credited to the asset revaluation surplus, except to the extent that it
reverses a revaluation decrement of the same asset class previously recognised as an expense, in
which case the increase is recognised as income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Any revaluation decrement is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense,
except to the extent that it offsets a previous revaluation increment for the same asset class, in which
case the decrease is debited directly to the asset revaluation surplus to the extent of the credit balance
existing in the revaluation surplus for that asset class.
The valuation methodology applied to specific classes of non-current assets under revaluations is as
follows:
Land
Land is recorded on the basis of existing use market value. The most recent valuations for land were
conducted as at 30 June 2009 by Liquid Pacific and Valcorp Aust Pty Ltd, independent valuers, on the
basis of existing use market value.
Buildings and Improvements
Buildings and improvements are valued at written down current cost. The building data provided in
the statements relates specifically to buildings, paved areas, utility reticulation, fencing, sheds and other
site infrastructure assets. The most recent valuations for building and infrastructure assets were
conducted as at 30 June 2009 by Liquid Pacific and Valcorp Aust Pty Ltd, independent valuers, on the
basis of written down current cost.
Buildings under construction are recorded as work in progress and are valued at cost.
Library Collection
The library collection is recorded at replacement value. The most recent valuation was carried out as
at 30 June 2011 by the Australian Valuation Office, an independent valuer, on the basis of
depreciated replacement cost (a proxy for fair value).
Plant and Equipment
Items of plant and equipment are recorded at fair value less accumulated depreciation.
All Plant and Equipment assets with a value of $10,000 or greater are capitalised.
Items under $10,000 are recorded in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as an expense in the
accounting period in which they are acquired.
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134. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Intangibles
An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance. Intangible assets
are measured at cost. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any
accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. The department only
has intangible assets with finite lives. The amortisation period for the intangible assets is reviewed on
an annual basis.
The acquisition of or internal development of software is capitalised only when the expenditure meets
the definition criteria (identifiability, control and the existence of future economic benefits) and
recognition criteria (probability of future economic benefits and cost can be reliably measured) and
when the amount of expenditure is greater than or equal to $10,000.
All research and development costs that do not meet the capitalisation criteria outlined in AASB 138
are expensed.
(n) Impairment
All non-current assets are tested for indications of impairment at each reporting date. Where there is
an indication of impairment, the recoverable amount is estimated. An amount by which the asset’s
carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount is recorded as an impairment loss.
For revalued assets an impairment loss is offset against the asset revaluation surplus.
(o) Depreciation and amortisation of Non-Current Assets
Non-current assets are systematically depreciated/amortised using the straight-line method of
depreciation over their useful lives. Amortisation is used in relation to intangible assets such as
software, while depreciation is applied to tangible assets such as property, plant, equipment and
libraries. All assets are depreciated/amortised from the first day of the acquisition month. This method
is considered to reflect the consumption of their service potential. The Department reviews useful lives
of assets annually.
Land and non-current assets held for sale are not depreciated.
Depreciation/amortisation is calculated on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the
following classes of assets as follows:
Useful life (Years)
Buildings 15 - 60
Improvements 5 - 25
Paved areas 40 - 50
Computing and communication equipment 1 - 20
Other plant and equipment 1 - 47
Library collection 12 - 15
Intangibles 10 - 15
Page 134

135. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(p) Payables
Payables include creditors, accrued expenses and employment on-costs.
Creditors represent the amounts owing for goods and services received prior to the end of the
reporting period that are unpaid at the end of the reporting period. Creditors include all unpaid
invoices received relating to the normal operations of the Department.
Accrued expenses represent goods and services provided by other parties during the period that are
unpaid at the end of the reporting period and where an invoice has not been received.
All payables are measured at their nominal amount, are unsecured and are normally settled within 30
days from the date of the invoice or date the invoice is first received.
Employee benefit on-costs include superannuation contributions, workers compensation and payroll
tax with respect to outstanding liabilities for salaries and wages, long service leave and annual leave.
Payroll tax is a State tax levied on total gross salary paid plus (non-cash) benefits and employer
superannuation contributions. The estimated amount of payroll tax payable in respect of employee
benefits liabilities is also shown as a payable in the Statement of Financial Position. Any increase or
decrease in the level of required payroll tax provision is charged as an increase or decrease in the
payroll tax expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The payroll tax liability is only payable
when employee benefits are paid.
The Department makes contributions to several State Government and externally managed
superannuation schemes. These contributions are treated as an expense when they occur. There is
no liability for payments to beneficiaries as they have been assumed by the respective superannuation
schemes. The only liability outstanding at balance date relates to any contributions due but not yet
paid to the South Australian Superannuation Board and externally managed schemes.
(q) Employee Benefit and Employment Related Liabilities
Liabilities have been established for various employee benefits arising from services rendered by
employees to balance date. Employee benefits include entitlements to wages and salaries, long
service leave, annual leave and non-attendance days. Long-term benefits are measured at present
value and short-term employee benefits are measured at nominal amounts.
Non-attendance days are accrued annually for employees engaged under the Technical and Further
Education Act 1975 but are non-cumulative.
Employment related expenses include on-costs such as employer superannuation and payroll tax on
employee entitlements together with the workers’ compensation insurance premium. These are
reported under Payables as on-costs on employee benefits (refer Note 24).
Salaries, wages, annual leave and non-attendance days
Liabilities for salaries and wages are measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at
remuneration rates current at reporting date.
The annual leave liability is expected to be payable within twelve months and is measured at the
undiscounted amount expected to be paid. In the unusual event where salary and wages and annual
leave are payable later than 12 months, the liability will be measured at present value.
Page 135

136. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Long service leave
The liability for long service leave is recognised after an employee has completed six and a half years of
service. An actuarial assessment of long service leave undertaken by the Department of Treasury and
Finance based on a significant sample of employees throughout the South Australian public sector
determined that the liability measured using the short hand method was not materially different from
the liability measured using the present value of expected future payments. This calculation is
consistent with the Department’s experience of employee retention and leave taken.
Sick leave
Sick leave is not provided for in the financial report, as it is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken
in future years by employees is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.
(r) Financial Assets (Investment)
In accordance with AASB 139 other financial assets are classified into the following specified
categories:
financial assets 'at fair value through profit or loss', 'held-to-maturity' investments, 'available-for-sale'
financial assets, and 'loans and receivables'. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of
the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Certain shares held are classified as being available-for-sale and are stated at fair value less impairment.
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in the available-for-sale
revaluation surplus, until the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time
the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in the available-for-sale revaluation surplus is
included in profit or loss for the period. This category includes investments classified as ‘available-for-
sale’ and any investments that do not fit the definitions for inclusion in any of the categories contained
in AASB 139. Consequently it should not be assumed that the Department has plans to dispose of
these assets.
(s) Provisions
A liability has been reported to reflect unsettled workers compensation claims. The workers
compensation provision is based on an actuarial assessment performed by the Public Sector
Workforce Relations Division of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Provisions are recognised when the Department has a present obligation as a result of a past event, it
is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the
obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
When the department expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is
recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense
relating to any provision is presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income net of any
reimbursement.
Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure
required to settle the present obligation at the Statement of Financial Position date. If the effect of the
time value of money is material, provisions are discounted for the time value of money and the risks
specific to the liability.
Page 136

137. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(t) Leases
The Department has entered into a number of operating lease agreements, as lessee, for buildings
and other facilities where the lessors effectively retain all risks and benefits incidental to ownership of
the items held under the operating leases.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Comprehensive Income
on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The straight-line basis is representative of the pattern of
benefits derived from the leased assets.
Details of commitments of current non-cancellable operating leases are disclosed at Note 32.
(u) Accounting for Taxation
The Department is not subject to income tax. The Department is liable for payroll tax, fringe benefits
tax, goods and services tax (GST), emergency services levy and local government rate equivalents.
Income, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST except:
 when the GST incurred on a purchase of goods or services is not recoverable from the
Australian Taxation Office, in which case the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition
of the asset or as part of the expense item applicable; and
 receivables and payables, which are stated with the amount of GST included.
The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office is included as
part of receivables or payables in the Statement of Financial Position.
Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST component of
cash flows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the
Australian Taxation Office is classified as part of operating cash flows.
Unrecognised Contractual Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST
recoverable from, or payable to the Australian Taxation Office. If GST is not payable to, or recoverable
from the Australian Taxation Office, the commitments and contingencies are disclosed on a gross
basis.
(v) Financial Guarantees
At the time a financial guarantee contract is issued, it is recognised as a liability initially measured at fair
value. If there is a material increase in the likelihood that the guarantee may have to be exercised, the
financial guarantee is measured at the higher of the amount determined in accordance with AASB
137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and the amount initially recognised less
cumulative amortisation, where appropriate.
In the determination of fair value, consideration is given to the following factors:
 the overall capital management / prudential supervision framework in operation;
 the protection provided by the State Government by way of funding should the probability of
default increase;
 the probability of default by the guaranteed party; and
 the likely loss to the Department in the event of default.
The Department has reviewed its financial guarantees and determined that there is no material liability
to be recognised for financial guarantee contracts as at 30 June 2011 (there was no material liability
recognised for financial guarantee contracts in 2010).
Whilst no liability has been recognised for financial guarantee contracts, further note disclosures
relating to financial guarantees are contained at Note 33 Contingent Assets and Liabilities.
Page 137

138. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(w) Unrecognised contractual commitments and contingent assets and liabilities
Commitments include those operating, capital and outsourcing commitments arising from contractual
or statutory sources and are disclosed at their nominal value.
Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position,
but are disclosed by way of a note and, if quantifiable, are measured at nominal value.
Unrecognised contractual commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST
recoverable from, or payable to the Australian Taxation Office. If GST is not payable to, or recoverable
from the Australian Taxation Office, the commitments and contingencies are disclosed on a gross
basis.
(x) Rounding
All amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes have been rounded to the nearest
thousand dollars ($’000).
3. Changes in Accounting Policies
In accordance with the amendments to APS 4.8 within Accounting Policy Framework II General
Purpose Financial Statements Framework, effective 1 July 2010, the Department has disclosed all
employees whose normal remuneration is equal to or greater than the base executive level
remuneration. Previously APS 4.8 within APF II required the Department to disclose all employees
whose normal remuneration was equal to or greater than $100,000. This change is reflected in Note 5.
During 2010-11 the Department changed various asset policies to improve alignment with the
Department of Treasury and Finance’s Accounting Policy Framework III Asset Accounting Framework.
These changed policies have resulted in the recognition of intangible assets above $10,000 for the
period ending 30 June 2011 as well as the recognition of intangible assets above $10 000 in prior
periods. The impact on prior periods has been disclosed within the Statement of Changes in Equity.
Except for AASB 2009-12, which the department has early-adopted, the Australian accounting
standards and interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective,
have not been adopted by the department for the period ending 30 June 2011. The department has
assessed the impact of the new and amended standards and interpretations and considers there will
be no impact on the accounting policies or the financial statements of the department.
Page 138

139. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
4. Activities and sub-activities
Activities - Employment and Skills Formation
Description/Objective: To strengthen the economic prosperity and social well-being of South Australians
through strategic employment, skills formation and workforce development.
Sub-activities - Vocational Education and Training
Provision of post secondary vocational education and training (VET) by TAFE SA and other registered
training organisations including:
 resource allocation of contestable and non-contestable funds;
 funding of apprenticeships and traineeships;
 support for post secondary training and education; and
 providing state and national policy advice.
Sub-activities - Learning, Workforce Participation Development and Workforce Development
Addressing the State’s economic development and social inclusion objectives by:
 providing opportunities for people to participate in employment, training, skills development,
and adult community education;
 meeting the current and future labour and skill needs of industry; and
 providing state and national policy advice.
Sub-activities - Regulatory Services
Administering the state’s further education and training system through:
 provision of registration, accreditation and approval services for registered training organisations;
 quality oversight of the state vocational education system, through the Training and Skills
Commission;
 administration of apprenticeships and traineeship system; and
 providing state and national policy advice
Sub-activities - International and Higher Education
Supporting the development of Adelaide as a centre for education, international education and South
Australian education exports including the provision of marketing services, analysis and student and
community support.
Provision of high-level strategic policy advice to the Minister on higher education policy and planning.
Page 139

140. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Activities - Science, Technology and Innovation
Description/Objective: Provides the Government’s principal strategic focus for science, technology,
information economy and innovation policy development and program delivery that links government,
business, industry and education sectors.
Sub-activities - Science and Innovation
Provision of high level strategic advice to the Minister on maximising economic, environmental and social
benefits from the State’s scientific research and innovation by:
 identifying strategic priorities for State Government investment;
 raising awareness and understanding of the benefits of science and innovation amongst
government, business and the community;
 facilitating coordinated and strategic bids for Commonwealth grants; and
 facilitating coordination of education and research activity with end-user (industry) requirements
to maximise the benefits for South Australia.
Sub-activities - Information Economy
Provision of high level strategic policy advice to the Minister and Government on the information economy
and the ICT sector that:
 raises awareness and understanding of the information economy among government, business,
industry and education providers;
 develops strategy and facilities programs and projects relevant to promoting the information
economy; and
 facilitate bids for significant Commonwealth grants.
Sub-activities – Bioscience Industry Development
Development of the bioscience industry through providing assistance in business development, finance,
infrastructure and marketing.
Sub-activities – Innovation Investment
Provision of seed capital and business guidance to innovative companies commercialising research and
development.
Page 140

141. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
5 Employee Benefits
Salaries and Wages (including Annual Leave) 227,305 222,387
Superannuation 23,888 23,543
Payroll Tax 13,020 12,942
Long Service Leave 10,340 8,876
Workers’ Compensation 3,730 3,827
Targeted Voluntary Separation Payments 3,681 18,006
Other Employee Related Costs 943 1,051
282,907 290,632
Targeted Voluntary Separation Packages (TVSP's)
Amount paid to these employees:
TVSP's 3,681 18,006
Annual Leave and Long Service Leave Accrued paid during the
Period 1,178 5,233
4,859 23,239
Funding from the Department of Treasury and Finance (refer
note 17) 3,307 9,152
Net amount paid to employees 1,552 14,087
Number of Employees who were paid TVSPs during the report-
ing period 36 161
2011 2010
Remuneration of Employees
The number of employees whose remuneration received or receivable falls within the following bands:
$127,500 to $130,699* 0 2
$130,700 to $140,699 15 5
$140,700 to $150,699 6 4
$150,700 to $160,699 4 8
$160,700 to $170,699 2 4
$170,700 to $180,699 5 3
$180,700 to $190,699 2 2
$190,700 to $200,699 0 2
$200,700 to $210,699 2 2
$210,700 to $220,699 1 0
$220,700 to $230,699 4 2
$230,700 to $240,699 1 1
$260,700 to $270,699 2 1
$270,700 to $280,699 0 1
$280,700 to $290,699 0 1
$300,700 to $310,699Δ 1 0
$310,700 to $320,699 0 1
$320,700 to $330,699O 2 1
Page 141

142. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
ΔO
$340,700 to $350,699 1 1
$350,700 to $360,699ΔO 1 2
$360,700 to $370,699Δ 2 0
$380,700 to $390,699O 0 1
$450,700 to $460,699Δ 1 0
Total number of employees 52 44
* This bandwidth has been included for the purposes of reporting comparative figures based on the
executive base level remuneration rate for 2009-10.
Δ
This bandwidth includes employees that have received TVSP's during 2010-11.
O
This bandwidth includes employees that have received TVSP's during 2009-10.
The table includes all employees who received remuneration equal to or greater than the base executive
remuneration level during the year. Remuneration of employees reflects all costs of employment
including salaries and wages, superannuation contributions, separation packages, fringe benefits tax and
any other salary sacrifice benefits.
The total remuneration received by these employees for the year was $10.3 million ($8.7 million).
For 2010-2011, the above figures include six non-executive employees (five in 2009-10) who took a
Targeted Voluntary Separation Package (TVSP's) during the year. The total remuneration received by
these employees for the year was $2.2 million ($1.7 million).
For 2010-11, the above figures include 4 non-executive employees (one in 2009-10) who received leave
paid on termination payments during the year and were not paid TVSP's.
Accounting Policy Change
In accordance with the revised Accounting Policy Framework II General Purpose Financial Statements
Framework, the department has changed its accounting policy and now discloses all employees who
receive remuneration equal to or greater than the base executive remuneration level rather than all
employees who have received remuneration equal or greater than $100,000. The impact of this change
in accounting policy is the number of employees disclosed (including TVSP's) has reduced by 260 for
2011 and 218 for 2010.
Page 142

143. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
6 Supplies and Services
Funding to Non-TAFE Providers for Vocational Education and
Training 45,474 41,731
Printing and Consumables 10,667 11,737
Minor Works, Maintenance and Equipment 18,731 19,076
Information Technology Infrastructure and Communication 20,498 17,730
Fees - Contracted Services (Including Consultants) 17,710 18,642
Trainee & Apprenticeship Reimbursements 733 996
Utilities 7,251 7,601
Cleaning 9,398 9,699
Vehicle and Travelling Expenses 6,742 6,717
Rentals and Leases 6,233 6,193
Books, Materials and Copyright 3,031 3,501
SATAC and Student Support 1,932 2,113
Other 9,575 10,444
Total Supplies and Services 157,975 156,180
Supplies and Services Provided by Entities Within the SA Government
Funding to Non-TAFE Providers for Vocational Education and
Training 2,381 712
Minor Works, Maintenance and Equipment 15,072 13,986
Information Technology Infrastructure and Communication 3,716 3,142
Fees - Contracted Services (Including Consultants) 8,089 8,476
Utilities 1,357 1,335
Cleaning 7,986 8,404
Vehicle and Travelling Expenses 2,878 3,005
Rentals and Leases 4,267 4,252
Other 538 562
46,284 43,874
The total supplies and services amount disclosed includes GST amounts not-recoverable from the ATO
due to the Department not holding a valid tax invoice or payments relating to third party arrangements.
Consultancy
The number and dollar amount of Consultancies paid/payable (included in supplies and services) that fell
within the following bands:
# #
Below $10,000 1 10 5 21
Between $10,000 and $50,000 3 62 4 129
Above $50,000 1 88 1 57
Total paid/payable to the consultants engaged (GST excl) 160 207
Page 143

144. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
7 Grants and Subsidies
Employment Programs 24,029 22,116
Vocational Education and Training Programs 12,125 8,223
Science and Information Economy Programs 22,444 25,250
Tertiary Student Transport Concessions 11,157 10,965
National Training Infrastructure Program 2,135 4,526
Other Specific Grants 2,663 1,225
Total Grants and Subsidies 74,553 72,305
Grants and Subsidies Paid/Payable to Entities Within the SA
Government
Employment Programs 1,787 4,022
Vocational Education and Training Programs 80 1,919
Science and Information Economy Programs 11,179 12,048
Tertiary Student Transport Concessions 11,157 10,965
National Training Infrastructure Program 128 107
Other Specific Grants 974 312
25,305 29,373
8 Depreciation and Amortisation
Buildings and Improvements 14,481 13,283
Plant and Equipment 2,275 2,300
Library 2,282 2,235
Intangibles 261 36
Total Depreciation and Amortisation 19,299 17,854
9 Other Expenses
Audit Fees (refer note 10) 290 283
Allowance for Doubtful Debts and Debt Write-offs 190 394
Other 2 10
Total Other Expenses 482 687
10 Auditor's Remuneration
Audit Fees Paid/Payable to the Auditor-General's Department 260 247
Other Audit fees 30 36
Total Auditor's Remuneration Paid/Payable 290 283
No other services were provided by the Auditor-General’s Department.
Page 144

145. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
11 Commonwealth Grants
Productivity Places Program 8,437 26,907
Pre-Apprenticeship Training 3,493 0
Language Literacy & Numeracy Delivery Statewide 3,322 0
Indigenous Employment Programs (IEP) Projects 2,610 0
National Training Infrastructure Program 1,540 1,228
Australian Flexible Learning Framework 1,498 0
Group Training Scheme 1,189 1,311
Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow (TIIFT) 935 17,765
Better TAFE Facilities 732 13,903
Aged Care Workforce 689 0
National VET Data Strategy Action Group 500 500
Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access 42 42
Targeting Skills Needs in Regions 0 170
Skills Sub Group 0 895
TAFE Fee Waivers for Childcare Qualifications 580 640
Other Specific Commonwealth Revenue 2,819 2,431
Total Commonwealth Grants 28,386 65,792
2010-11 Commitments
The Productivity Places Program received $8.4 million of Commonwealth revenue in 2010-11 which was
fully spent.
As part of the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, $3.5 million was received in 2010-11 to deliver the
AKPA project under the National Partnership Agreement on Pre-Apprenticeship Training, of which
$1.8 million is committed to be spent in 2011-12.
The Language Literacy & Numeracy Delivery Statewide Program received $3.3 million of Commonwealth
revenue in 2010-11 which was fully spent.
The Indigenous Employment Programs Projects received $2.6 million of Commonwealth contributions in
2010-11 of which a commitment exists to spend the funding in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 financial years.
The purpose of the funding is for six Aboriginal projects - Mentoring Aboriginal Apprentices; Mentoring
Aboriginal People in Mining; Try a Trade Workshops; Pre-Employment Training; Up-skilling Indigenous
Workers; Industry Clusters Training Support.
The National Training Infrastructure Program received $1.5 million of Commonwealth contributions in
2010-11 which is committed to be spent in 2011-12 and out years. The committed funds are for the
provision and development of skills centres and capital equipment.
The Aged Care Workforce Program received $0.7 million in 2010-11 of which $0.5 million is committed
to be spent in 2011-2012 as part of providing Personal Care Workers opportunities to upgrade their
qualifications.
The National VET Data Strategy Action Group received $0.5 million in 2010-11, of which a commitment
exists to spend $0.4 million for the agreed projects of the Action Group during 2011-12 financial year.
The committed funds are for the purpose of progress work of the National VET Data Strategy.
Page 145

146. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2009-10 Commitments
The Productivity Places Program received $26.9 million of Commonwealth revenue in 2009-10, of which
a commitment exists to spend $19.6 million in the 2010-11 financial year.
The National Training Infrastructure Program received $1.2 million of Commonwealth contributions in
2009-10 of which a commitment exists to spend $1.2 million in the 2010-11 financial year. The
committed funds are for the provision and development of skills centres and capital equipment.
DFEEST has received $1.3 million of Commonwealth revenue for the Group Training Scheme in the
financial year, $0.2 million of which will be incurred in the 2010-11 financial year.
The National VET Data Strategy Action Group received a $0.5 million one-off grant, of which a
commitment exists to utilise $0.3 million for the agreed projects of the Action Group during 2010-11
financial year. The committed funds are for the purpose of progress work of the National VET Data
Strategy.
The Skills Sub Group received a $0.9 million one-off grant, of which a commitment exists to spend $0.8
million for projects which align to national priorities.
DFEEST has received $42,000 of Commonwealth revenue for the Remote Indigenous Public Internet
Access in the financial year, $17,000 of which will be incurred in the 2010-11 financial year.
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
12 Student and Other Fees and Charges
Sales/Fee for Service Revenue 57,697 63,370
Student Enrolment Fees and Charges 32,059 33,696
Other User Fees and Charges 5,475 3,541
Total Fees and Charges Received/Receivable 95,231 100,607
Fees and Charges Received/Receivable from Entities Within the SA Government
Sales/Fee for Service Revenue 1,782 1,345
Student Enrolment Fees and Charges 1,874 931
Other User Fees and Charges 563 189
4,219 2,465
13 Other Grants and Contributions
Grants and Subsidies Revenue 3,065 4,458
Miscellaneous Contributions 733 854
Donations 49 59
Grants from Entities Within the SA Government 4,458 4,518
Total Other Grants and Contributions 8,305 9,889
14 Investment Income
Dividends (refer note 17) 285 0
Interest from Entities External to the SA Government 38 11
Total Investment Income 323 11
Page 146

147. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
15 Net (Loss)/Gain on Disposal of Non-Current Assets
Land and Buildings
Proceeds from Disposals 0 560
Less: Net Book Value of Assets Disposed (245) (419)
(245) 141
Plant and Equipment
Proceeds from Disposals 11 53
Less: Net Book Value of Assets Disposed (235) (325)
(224) (272)
Total Assets
Total Proceeds from Disposal 11 613
Less: Net Book Value of Assets Disposed (480) (744)
Total Net Loss on disposal of Non-Current Assets (469) (131)
16 Other Income
Reimbursement of Travel 107 0
Recoup of Salaries 201 859
Insurance Recoveries 311 0
Grant Recoveries 579 0
Sundry Income 2,920 2,360
Total Other Income 4,118 3,219
17 Revenues from/Payments to SA Government
Revenues from SA Government
Appropriations from Consolidated Account Pursuant to the
Appropriation Act 382,039 372,944
Accrual Appropriation 9,177 11,563
Appropriation Transfers from Contingency1 3,472 24,126
394,688 408,633
Payments to SA Government
Return of Surplus Cash Pursuant to Cash Alignment Policy (11,221) (9,923)
Other payments to Consolidated Account 2 (1,422) 0
(12,643) (9,923)
Total Revenues from/Payments to SA Government 382,045 398,710
1
Includes an amount of $3.3 million (9.2 million) for funding of TVSP payments (Refer to note 5)
2
Includes payments to DTF for dividends received and land sales
Page 147

148. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
18 Cash and Cash Equivalents
Deposits with the Treasurer 59,823 51,707
Special Deposit Account with the Department of Treasury and
Finance 4,798 34,209
Cash on Hand 54 65
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents 64,675 85,981
Deposits with the Treasurer
Comprises funds held in the Accrual Appropriation Excess Funds Account. The balances of these funds
are not available for general use (i.e. funds can only be used in accordance with the Treasurer's/Under
Treasurer's approval).
Interest rate risk
Cash on hand is non-interest bearing. Deposits at call and with the Treasurer earn interest at a floating
interest rate, based on daily bank deposit rates. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents
represents fair value.
19 Receivables
Current
Fees and Charges Receivable 13,230 13,111
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Debts (2,076) (2,471)
Prepayments 1,322 1,602
GST Recoverable from ATO 4,201 5,523
Other Receivables 364 133
Total Current Receivables 17,041 17,898
Non-Current
Workers compensation receivable 239 248
Total Non-current Receivables 239 248
Total Receivables 17,280 18,146
Receivables from SA Government Entities
Receivables 983 1,492
Workers Compensation Receivable 239 248
Prepayments 14 0
1,236 1,740
Page 148

149. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Movement in the allowance for doubtful debts
The allowance for doubtful debts (allowance for impairment loss) is recognised when there is objective
evidence (i.e. calculated on past experience and current and expected changes in client credit rating)
that a receivable is impaired.
An allowance for impairment loss has been recognised in 'other expenses' in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income for specific debtors and debtors assessed on a collective basis for which such
evidence exists.
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period 2,471 2,204
Increase in the allowance 192 420
Amounts written off (587) (153)
Carrying amount at the end of the period 2,076 2,471
Interest rate risk
Receivables are raised for all goods and services provided for which payment has not been received.
Receivables are normally settled within 30 days. Trade receivables, prepayments and accrued revenues
are non-interest bearing.
Other than as recognised in the allowance for doubtful debts, it is not anticipated that counterparties will
fail to discharge their obligations.
The carrying amount of receivables approximates net fair value due to being receivable on demand.
There is no concentration of credit risk.
(a) Maturity analysis of receivables - Please refer to table 38.3 in Note 38.
(b) Categorisation of financial instruments and risk exposure information - Please refer to note 38.
20 Non-Current Assets Held for Sale
Land at Fair Value 1,578 0
1,578 0
During 2010-11 land at the old Victor Harbor site was identified as surplus to requirements. It is
anticipated that the land at Victor Harbor will be sold by 30 June 2012.
Page 149

150. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
21 Property, Plant and Equipment
Land and Buildings
Land at Fair Value 154,212 155,790
Buildings and Improvements at Fair Value/Cost 938,489 924,378
Accumulated Depreciation (481,473) (468,325)
Construction Work in Progress 2,065 12,562
613,293 624,405
Plant and Equipment
Plant and Equipment at Cost (Deemed Fair Value) 33,457 32,498
Accumulated Depreciation (17,891) (17,149)
15,566 15,349
Libraries
Libraries at Valuation 21,660 29,877
Accumulated Depreciation (14,838) (18,940)
6,822 10,937
Total Property, Plant and Equipment 1,149,883 1,155,105
Total Accumulated Depreciation at the end of the period (514,202) (504,414)
Total Property, Plant and Equipment 635,681 650,691
Valuation of Libraries
The valuation of Libraries was performed by Kim Adams and Ian Noble independent valuers from Aus-
tralian Valuation Office as at 30 June 2011.
Impairment
There were no indications of impairment of property and plant and equipment assets at 30 June 2011.
Page 150

151. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Reconciliations
Reconciliations of the carrying amount of each class of non-current assets at the beginning and end of the current financial year are set out below:
1 July 2010 Net revaluation 30 June 2011
Carrying Increment/ Other Move- Carrying
amount Additions Disposals (decrement) ments Depreciation amount
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
2011
Land at fair value 155,790 0 0 0 (1,578) 0 154,212
Buildings and improvements 456,053 0 (245) 0 15,689 (14,481) 457,016
Plant & Equipment 15,349 2,727 (235) 0 0 (2,275) 15,566
Construction work in progress 12,562 5,482 0 0 (15,979) 0 2,065
Libraries at valuation 10,937 541 0 (2,374) 0 (2,282) 6,822
Sub Total 650,691 8,750 (480) (2,374) (1,868) (19,038) 635,681
1 July 2009 Net revaluation 30 June 2010
Carrying Increment/ Other Move- Carrying
amount Additions Disposals (decrement) ments Depreciation amount
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
2010
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Land at fair value 154,715 1,075 0 0 0 0 155,790
Buildings and improvements 440,851 0 0 0 28,485 (13,283) 456,053
Plant & Equipment 15,405 2,569 (325) 0 0 (2,300) 15,349
Construction work in progress 1,621 39,426 0 0 (28,485) 0 12,562
Libraries at valuation 12,583 589 0 0 0 (2,235) 10,937
Total 625,175 43,659 (325) 0 0 (17,818) 650,691
Page 151

152. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Page 152
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
22 Intangibles
Computer Software 14,910 717
Accumulated amortisation (297) (36)
Intangible Work in Progress 1,282 9,228
Total Computer software 15,895 9,909
The computer software predominantly relates to the department's Student Information System (SIS) with a remaining useful life of 10 years and carrying amount of
$12.8 million.
The department has a $1.06 million contractual commitment for the acquisition of Phoenix in 2011-2012.
Impairment
There were no indications of impairment on intangible assets at 30 June 2011.
Reconciliations
1 July 2010 Net revaluation 30 June 2011
Carrying Increment/ Other Carrying
amount Additions Disposals (decrement) Movements Amortisation amount
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Intangibles 681 0 0 0 14,193 (261) 14,613
Intangibles work in progress 9,228 6,247 0 0 (14,193) 0 1,282
Total 9,909 6,247 0 0 0 (261) 15,895
1 July 2009 Net revaluation 30 June 2010
Carrying Increment/ Other Carrying
amount Additions Disposals (decrement) Movements Amortisation amount
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Intangibles 0 717 0 0 0 (36) 681
Intangible Work in Progress 881 8,347 0 0 0 0 9,228
Total 881 9,064 0 0 0 (36) 9,909

153. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
23 Inventories
Current
Inventories Held for Sale 492 513
Inventories Held for Distribution 395 459
Total Inventories 887 972
24 Payables
Current
Creditors 12,999 23,294
Accrued Expenses 9,833 11,729
Employment On-Costs 4,711 4,276
Other 69 108
Total Current Payables 27,612 39,407
Non-Current
Employment on-costs 1,984 2,023
Total Non-current Payables 1,984 2,023
Total Payables 29,596 41,430
Payables to SA Government Entities
Creditors 3,319 12,925
Accrued Expenses 5,656 8,406
Employment On-costs 6,695 6,299
15,670 27,630
As a result of an actuarial assessment performed by the Department of Treasury and Finance, the
average factor for the calculation of employer superannuation cost on-cost has changed from the 2010
rate of 10.8 percent to 10.3 percent. These rates are used in the employment oncost calculation.
Interest rate and credit risk
Creditors are raised for all amounts billed but unpaid and accruals are raised where goods and services
are received but an invoice has not yet been received. Sundry Creditors are normally settled within 30
days. Employment on-costs are settled when the respective employee benefit that they relate to is
discharged. All payables are non-interest bearing. The carrying amount of payables represents fair value
due to the amounts being payable on demand.
(a) Maturity analysis of payables - Please refer to table 38.3 in Note 38.
(b) Categorisation of financial instruments and risk exposure information - Please refer to note 38.
Page 153

154. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
25 Employee Benefits
Current
Annual Leave 10,031 9,559
Long Service Leave 7,301 4,848
Accrued Salaries and Wages 5,213 4,451
Non-Attendance Days 5,232 5,040
Total Current Employee Benefits 27,777 23,898
Non-Current Employee Benefits
Long Service Leave 48,114 48,379
Total Non-Current Employee Benefits 48,114 48,379
Total Employee Benefits 75,891 72,277
The total current and non-current employee benefits (i.e. aggregate employee benefit plus related on-
costs) for 2011 is $32.4 million and $50.1 million respectively.
As a result of an actuarial assessment performed by the Department of Treasury and Finance, the
benchmark for the measurement of long service leave liability has changed from the 2010 benchmark
7 years to 6.5 years.
The net financial effect of the changes in the current financial year is an increase in the long service leave
liability of $0.4 million and employee benefit expense of $0.4 million.
The impact on future periods is impracticable to estimate as the benchmark is calculated using a number
of assumptions – a key assumption is the long-term discount rate. With current conditions, the long-term
discount rate is experiencing significant movement.
26 Provisions
Current
Workers Compensation 2,101 1,934
2,101 1,934
Non-Current
Workers Compensation 7,091 6,306
7,091 6,306
Total Provisions 9,192 8,240
Carrying amount at 1 July 8,240 7,613
Additional provisions recognised 952 627
Carrying amount at 30 June 9,192 8,240
A liability has been reported to reflect unsettled workers compensation claims. The workers
compensation provision is based on an actuarial assessment performed by the Public Sector Workforce
Relations Branch of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. These claims are expected to be settled
within the next financial year.
Page 154

155. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
27 Unearned Revenue
Unearned Revenue SA Govt Entities 0 278
Unearned Revenue Non-SA Govt Entities 4,827 6,933
4,827 7,211
28 Other Liabilities
Current
Deposits 655 1,037
Other Liabilities 98 98
Total Other Liabilities 753 1,135
29 Investments - Austraining International Pty Ltd
Contributed Capital in Subsidiary Company (Austraining) 400 400
Share of Retained Profit 100% 100%
Retained Profits Attributable to Subsidiary Company
Balance at 1 July 3,891 3,206
Share of Operating Profit After Income Tax 1,108 685
Total Investments 4,999 3,891
Austraining International Pty Ltd
Austraining International Pty Ltd, which has a reporting date of 30 June, is controlled by the Minister for
Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Its principal activity is to secure international contracts for work
in vocational education and training.
The current investment value is based on unaudited financial statements as at 30 June 2011.
Page 155

156. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Financial Asset
Available-for-
Asset Sale
Revaluation Revaluation Retained
30 Adjustments to Equity Surplus surplus Earnings TOTAL
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Balance at 1 July 2009 225,495 1,287 411,508 638,290
Prior period adjustments to Work in
Progress 0 0 (696) (696)
Changes in Accounting Policy for
Intangibles 0 0 1,703 1,703
Total Equity as at 30 June 2010 225,495 1,287 412,515 639,297
Prior period adjustments
This reflects an adjustment for transactions previously recognised as assets at 30 June 2010.
Changes in Accounting Policy
This reflects an adjustment for intangibles due to the Department changing their accounting policy (refer
note 3). The transactions adjusted were previously recognised as expenses prior to 30 June 2010.
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
31 Equity
Retained earnings 395,220 412,515
Asset revaluation surplus 223,121 225,495
Financial Asset Available-for-Sale Revaluation surplus 2,395 1,287
Total Equity 620,736 639,297
The asset revaluation surplus is used to record increments and decrements in the fair value of land,
buildings and libraries to the extent that they offset one another.
32 Unrecognised Contractual Commitments
Remuneration Commitments
Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under fixed-term employment
contracts in existence at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities are payable as follows:
Within one year 5,718 10,693
Payable later than one year and not later than five years 8,008 10,677
Total Remuneration Commitments 13,726 21,370
Amounts disclosed include commitments arising from executive contracts and hourly paid instructors.
The Department does not offer remuneration contracts greater than 5 years.
Page 156

157. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
Capital Commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date but are not recognised as liabilities in the financial
statements are payable as follows:
Within one year 1,934 7,406
Later than one year and not later than five years 681 0
Total Capital Commitments 2,615 7,406
The department's capital commitments relate to acquisition and implementation of the Phoenix information
system & construction works at Berri Trade Centre.
Other Commitments
These amounts are due for payment:
Within one year 28,167 31,040
Later than one year and not later than five years 57,337 60,710
Later than five years 1,561 2,342
Total Other Commitments 87,065 94,092
The Department's other commitments relate to agreements for Productivity Places Program contracts, cleaning
contracts, and other procurement commitments.
Operating Leases Commitments
Commitments in relation to operating leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as
liabilities are payable as follows:
Within one year 6,627 5,925
Payable later than one year and not later than five years 26,984 24,761
Payable later than five years 3,660 9,089
Total Operating Lease Commitments 37,271 39,775
The department's operating leases are for office accommodation and equipment. Office accommodation is
leased from Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure. The leases are non-cancellable with some
leases having the right of renewal.
Rent is payable in arrears.
Page 157

158. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
33 Contingent Assets and Liabilities
The department is not aware of any contingent assets.
There are a number of outstanding personal injury and common law claims not settled as at 30 June
2011 with an estimated settlement value of $77,350.
The Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills has provided a $3.0 million guarantee to
Austraining International Pty Ltd which has not been invoked as at 30 June 2011.
The Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills has entered an agreement to provide Le
Cordon Bleu with a 10 year interest free loan of $7.0 million conditional upon Le Cordon Bleu entering
into a building contract for the development of Le Cordon Bleu's city training facility.
34 Transferred functions
Transferred In
Under the Public Sector (Reorganisation of Public Sector Operations) Notice 2010 , from 1 July 2010 the
Bragg Initiative and Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) functions were transferred from the Department
of the Premier and Cabinet to the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and
Technology. The Bragg Institute transfer included 1 employee and budget funding of $0.2 million. The
RiAus transfer had no net financial impact.
On transfer of the Bragg Institute, the Department for Further Education, Employment, Science and
Technology recognised the following liabilities:
$,000
Payables 2
Employee Benefits Liability 16
Total liabilities transferred 18
Total Liabilities assumed by the department as a result of the administrative restructure were at the
carrying amount of those liabilities in the transferor's Statement of Financial Position immediately prior to
transfer. The net liability has been charged directly to Equity.
35 After Balance Day Events
On 1 July 2011, DFEEST announced the establishment of the Office of TAFE SA. This new office will work
with an interim TAFE SA Board to help re-direct TAFE SA towards demand-driven funding and increased
contestability under the Skills for All initiative. 2011-2012 will be a year of transition with the aim to
establish TAFE SA as a statutory authority from July 2012. The Office will be given substantial autonomy to
manage the operations of TAFE SA. To highlight the separation between purchaser and provider the
Office of TAFE SA will report directly to the Minister assisting the Minister for Employment, Higher
Education and Skills, who will have responsibility for TAFE SA.
The interim TAFE SA Board will be Chaired by the Chief Executive of DFEEST and include key Corporate
Executive members as well as external members. The Chief Executive of DFEEST will remain responsible for
the staffing and financial outcomes of TAFE SA until the proposed establishment of TAFE SA as a statutory
authority from July 2012.
Page 158

159. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
36 Remuneration of Board and Committee Members
Members that were entitled to receive remuneration
during the 2010-11 financial year were:
Training and Skills Commission appointed until 31 August Adult Community Education Reference Group appointed
2010 until 31 August 2010
Prof D Bradley AC (Chair) P Wright (Chair)
P Wright K Daniel
P Dowd P Ronan
J Giles S Schrapel
Prof R Green M Smith
Prof R Harris
Dr M Keating AC
A Smith Adult Community Education Reference Group appointed
P Vaughan from 1 September 2010 until 31 August 2012
J Chapman (Deputy to P Vaughn) J Giles (Chair)
I Curry (Deputy to J Giles) J McCormick
S Ross
P Wright
Training and Skills Commission from 1 September 2010
until 31 August 2012
A Smith (Chair) Premier's Science Research Council
Dr J Buchanan Prof D Bursill (Co-chair)
M Silva (Deputy Chair) Dr I Chessell (Resigned December 2010)
A Coker Prof B Brook
P Dowd Dr I Gould
J Giles Dr W Harch
Dr M Keating AC Dr A Koltunow
L Palmer Prof R Lewis
P Vaughan Prof A Lopez
I Curry (Deputy to J Giles) R McLeod
T Cruickshank (Deputy to P Vaughn) (resigned June Prof T Monro
2011) D Mutton
S Powell (Deputy to L Palmer) Prof R Norman (Resigned December 2010)
Dr L Read
Prof A Rumbold (Resigned December 2010)
Training Regulation Reference Group (previously Quality Prof P Tharenou
Reference Group) appointed until 31 August 2010 Dr G Todd
A Smith (Chair)
I Curry
D Frith Audit and Risk Management Committee
G Peak I McLachlan (Resigned)
K Thiele W Einarson
Training Regulation Reference Group appointed from 1 Arts Advisory Board
September 2010 to 31 August 2012 R Archer AO (Chair)
M Silva (Chair) S Bowers
M Aubrey R Clemente (Resigned November 2010)
I Curry K Gould
D Frith S Grieve
D Syme A Hann
J Covernton
J Macdonnell
A Ford
G Cobham
M Hill-Smith
Page 159

160. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The number of members whose remuneration from the entity falls within the following bands is:
2011 2010
No. of No. of
members members
$1 - $9 999 27 13
$30,000 - $39,999 8 6
$40,000 - $49,999 1 1
$50,000 - $59,999 0 1
36 21
Remuneration of board members reflects all costs of performing board/committee member duties
including sitting fees, superannuation contributions, fringe benefits tax and any other salary sacrifice
arrangements. The total remuneration received or receivable by members was $0.3 million ($0.3 million).
Amounts paid to a superannuation plan for board/committee members was $18,069 ($18,689).
In accordance with the Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular No. 016, government employees did
not receive any remuneration for board/committee duties during the financial year.
Unless otherwise disclosed, transactions between members are on conditions no more favourable than
those that it is reasonable to expect the entity would have adopted if dealing with the related party at
arm's length in the same circumstances.
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
37 Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents - cash at year end as per:
Cash and cash equivalents disclosed in the Statement of
Financial Position 64,675 85,981
Balance as per the Cash Flow Statement 64,675 85,981
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Net Cost of Providing Services
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 51 49,878
Depreciation and amortisation (19,299) (17,854)
Loss on Sale of Assets (469) (131)
Prior Period Adjustments 0 467
Restructure (18) 140
Increase in Employee Benefits (3,614) (218)
Decrease in Receivables (866) (2,900)
(Decrease)/Increase in Inventories (85) 37
Decrease in Payables 5,209 1,693
Decrease in Unearned Revenue 2,384 4,328
Decrease in Other Liabilities 382 5,626
Increase in Provisions (952) (627)
Revenues from Government (394,688) (408,633)
Payments to Government 12,643 9,923
Net Cost of Providing Services (399,322) (358,271)
Page 160

161. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
38 Financial instruments
Table 38.1 Categorisation of financial instruments
Details of significant accounting policies and methods adopted including the criteria for recognition, the
basis of measurement, and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised with respect to
each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 2 Summary of
significant Accounting Policies
2011 2010
Carrying Carrying
Category of Financial Assets Statement of Financial amount amount
and Financial Liabilities Position line item Note $'000 $'000
Financial Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents 18 64,675 85,981
Receivables Receivables 19 17,280 18,146
Held to maturity investments Investments 29 4,999 3,891
Financial Liabilities
Financial Liabilities at cost Payables 24 29,596 41,430
Other liabilities 27, 28 5,580 8,346
Total Net Financial Assets at cost 51,778 58,242
All amounts recorded are carried at cost (not materially different from amortised cost) except for
employee oncost which are determined via reference to the employee benefit liability to which they
relate.
Credit Risk
Credit risk arises when there is the possibility of the department’s debtors defaulting on their contractual
obligations resulting in financial loss to the department. The department measures credit risk on a fair
value basis and monitors risk on a regular basis.
The department has minimal concentration of credit risk. The department has policies and procedures in
place to ensure that transactions occur with customers with appropriate credit history. The department
does not engage in high risk hedging for its financial assets.
Allowances for impairment of financial assets is calculated on past experience and current and expected
changes in client credit rating. Currently the department does not hold any collateral as security to any
of its financial assets. Other than receivables, there is no evidence to indicate that the financial assets are
impaired. Refer to Note 19 for information on the allowance for impairment in relation to receivables.
Page 161

162. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The following table discloses the ageing of financial assets, past due, including impaired assets past
due.
Table 38.2 Ageing analysis of financial assets
Past due by
Overdue for < Overdue for Overdue for Total
30 days 30 – 60 days > 60 days
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
2011
Not impaired
Receivables 13,877 538 2,865 17,280
Other financial assets 0 0 0 0
Impaired
Receivables 0 0 0 0
Other financial assets 0 0 0 0
2010
Not impaired
Receivables 14,681 452 3,013 18,146
Other financial assets 0 0 0 0
Impaired
Receivables 0 0 0 0
Other financial assets 0 0 0 0
Page 162

163. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The following table discloses the maturity analysis of financial assets and financial liabilities.
Table 38.3: Maturity analysis of financial assets and liabilities
Contractual Maturities
Carrying < 1 year 1-5 years > 5 years
amount
$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000
2011
Financial assets
Cash & cash equivalent 64,675 64,675 0 0
Receivables 17,280 17,041 239 0
Other financial assets 4,999 0 0 4,999
Total financial assets 86,954 81,716 239 4,999
Financial liabilities
Payables 29,596 27,612 1,984 0
Other financial liabilities 5,580 5,580 0 0
Total financial liabilities 35,176 33,192 1,984 0
2010
Financial assets
Cash & cash equivalent 85,981 85,981 0 0
Receivables 18,146 17,898 248 0
Other financial assets 3,891 0 0 3,891
Total financial assets 108,018 103,879 248 3,891
Financial liabilities
Payables 41,430 39,407 2,023 0
Other financial liabilities 8,346 8,346 0 0
Total financial liabilities 49,776 47,753 2,023 0
Page 163

164. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises where the department is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The
Department is funded principally from appropriations from the South Australian Government. The Department
works with the Department of Treasury and Finance to determine the cashflows associated with its
Government approved program of work and to ensure funding is provided through SA Government
budgetary processes to meet the expected cashflows.
The Department settles undisputed accounts within 30 days from the date of the invoice or date the invoice is
first received. In the event of a dispute, payment is made 30 days from resolution.
The Department's exposure to liquidity risk is insignificant based on past experience and current assessment of
risk.
The carrying amount of financial liabilities recorded in Table 38.1 represents the department's maximum
exposure to financial liabilities.
39 Administered Items
Minister's Salary and Allowances
2011 2010
$'000 $'000
Administered Expenses
Employee Benefits 167 266
Total Administered Expenses 167 266
Administered Income
Revenues From SA Government 167 266
Total Administered Income 167 266
Net Result 0 0
Minister's Salary and Allowances
Minister's Salary and allowances represents the amount pursuant to Parliamentary Remuneration Act
1990.
Page 164

165. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
5.4 Account Payment Performance
The due date is defined as per 11.2 of the Treasurer’s Instruction. Unless there is a discount or a written agreement
between the public authority and the creditor, payment should be within thirty days of the date of the invoice or
claim.
Particulars Number of Percentage of Value in $A of % of
Accounts Paid Accounts Paid Accounts Paid Accounts
(by Number) Paid (by
Value)
Paid by due date 63 893 92% $251 284 935 92%
Paid within 30 days or less from
4 355 6% $19 319 106 7%
due date
Paid more than 30 days from
1 186 2% $3 018 502 1%
due date
5.5 Consultants
Details of consultancy expenditure over $10 000:
The Allen Consulting Group Mineral Resources & Heavy Engineering Skills Centre
To develop a report that examines the extent to which To prepare a scoping paper: Workforce Study for the
the current standards adequately identify the Resource Sector in the Eyre Peninsula.
requirements essential to ensuring that providers
registered under the Training and Skills Development Act SA Centre for Economic Studies
2008 are able to demonstrate delivery of quality To provide an evidence base for re-prioritising all South
outcomes to domestic and overseas students. Australia Works programs and services by examining
selected programs that illustrates specific examples of
Ferrier Hodgson ‘complementarity’ between Commonwealth and state
Provide financial advice to TAFE SA following the programs.
appointment of three Chief Financial Officers (one per
TAFE SA Institute).
Amount (excl Number of
GST) consultancies
Below $10 000 $9 600 1
Between $10 000 and $50 000 $62 116 3
Above $50 000 $88 240 1
Total $159 956 5
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167. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
5.6 Certification by Departmental Executives
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168. 5.7 Independent Auditor’s Report
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169. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
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170. 5.8 Contractual Arrangements 5.10 Overseas Travel
The department entered into a contract with SunGard Departmental employees, including TAFE SA staff,
Pty Ltd in June 2009 for the supply and installation of a new undertook overseas travel during the last year for the
SIS. The system will manage all aspects in relation to the following purposes:
administration of students within TAFE SA, including online
enrolment, billing, issuing of parchments and maintenance - officially representing the state government via
of student records. The contract expires in 2019. ministerial delegations
This contract provides access to a student information - attending and presenting at conferences/seminars
system that is compliant with state and Commonwealth laws - undertaking quality assurance audits of
for the life of the contract. ‘Transnational’ (Offshore licensed and delivered
TAFE SA courses)
- conducting commercial promotion of departmental
programs
- undertaking marketing and recruitment to attract
5.9 Fraud full fee paying overseas students.
In 2011, 66 staff travelled overseas at a total cost of
$301 637. The countries most visited were Kiribati, Vietnam,
As part of its risk management, the department has
Singapore and Hong Kong.
implemented processes for identifying and responding to
the risks of fraud, including any specific risks of fraud that The biggest sources of revenue for DFEEST were:
have been identified, or account balances, classes of
transactions or disclosures for which a risk of fraud is likely - The AusAID Kiribati project with Austraining
to exist. International, with revenue to date for Phase 1 of
$639 000, and a further $350 000 due by June
The department has established an audit and risk review 2012.
function through its Audit and Risk Management
Committee. This is supported by the department’s Internal - A series of small AusAID development programs in
Audit and Risk Management Review Branch. justice and policing for the Pacific Islands completed
during 2011-12, generating revenue of
The Internal Audit Program, which is reviewed by the Audit approximately $120 000.
and Risk Management Committee and approved by the
- The Singapore Enterprise Development
Chief Executive, addresses a number of potential risk areas
Consultancy, which will be completed in early
including internal controls over revenue, information and
2012, with a total revenue for this project of
asset security and expenditure activity.
$1.1 million over 2011-12.
Complementing this work, the Director, Strategic Finance This does not include the economic multiplier to the state
and Budgets is responsible for ongoing internal reconciling that factors in the additional spend of overseas students and
controls over departmental revenue and expenditure and their visiting friends and family.
liaises with the Manager, Internal Audit where abnormal
variances are detected. The Strategic Finance and Budgets
section also works closely with Internal Audit to oversee the
implementation and monitoring of DFEEST’s Financial
Management Compliance Program.
No instances of fraud were found within the department
during the year.
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171. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
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172. Page 172

173. GLOSSARY
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174. ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics
AC Arts Adelaide College of the Arts (TAFE SA)
ACE Adult Community Education
AEICN Aboriginal Employers Industry Champions Network
AFL Australian Football League
AIIA Australian Information Industry Association
AKPA Apprentice Kickstart Pre-Apprenticeship
APPC Access and Participation Principal Committee
APY Lands Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands
AQF Australian Qualifications Framework
AQTF Australian Quality Training Framework
ASQA Australian Skills Quality Authority
AusAID Australian Agency for International Development
BTF Better TAFE Facilities
CAPM Connecting Aboriginal People to Mining
COAG Commonwealth of Australian Governments
CRC Cooperative Research Centre
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
DECD Department of Education and Child Development
DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
DFEEST Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology
DIC Department of Immigration and Citizenship
DPTI Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
DSTO Defence Science and Technology Organisation
ELICOS English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
FCEP Family Centred Employment Project
FTE Full Time Employee
ICT Information and Communications Technology
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175. GLOSSARY
IISC Industry and Indigenous Skills Centre
LSS Learner Support Service
MEGA Mobile Enterprise Growth Alliance
NASWD National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development
NBN National Broadband Network
NCVER National Centre for Vocational Education Research
NP National Partnership
NPYAT National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions
NSAI Non Self-Accrediting Institution
OHS&W Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
PPP Productivity Places Program
PSRC Premier’s Science and Research Council
R&D Research and Development
RDA Regional Development Australia
RTO Registered Training Organisation
SACE South Australian Certificate of Education
SASP South Australia’s Strategic Plan
SATAC South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre
SCOTESE Standing Council on Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment
SIEC Sustainable Industries Education Centre
SIS Student Information System
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
TaSC Training and Skills Commission
TEQSA Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
TIIFT Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow
TVSP Targeted Voluntary Separation Package
VET Vocational Education and Training
YMCA Young Men’s Christian Association
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176. Page 176