Contents (last updated July 2009)
Federal, State and Territory Government Departments
National, State and Territory Peak Bodies and Organisations
State/Territory Institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
Australian Universities and University of the Third Age (U3A)
Federal, State and Territory Government Departments
Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (Federal Government)
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is the lead government agency providing national
leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace.
We work in collaboration with the states and territories and have offices and agencies throughout Australia and overseas.
New South Wales Department of Education and Training
The NSW Department of Education and Training delivers high quality, internationally competitive public education and training from early childhood (pre-school), through to the compulsory years of schooling (Kindergarten to Year 10), and senior secondary education leading to the award of the NSW Higher School Certificate (in Years 11 and 12).
It also provides TAFE NSW courses, adult and community education courses, migrant English programs, post-secondary art courses and advice to the NSW Government on higher education. The Department is particularly focused on addressing the training needs of industry and meeting the challenge of skills shortages in certain trades.
It strongly promotes lifelong learning, and aims to provide students with a smooth transition from school to work or further study, and from
post-compulsory education and training to work or further study.
Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD)
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) is committed to ensuring that every young Victorian thrives,
learns and grows, enjoying every opportunity to realise a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Queensland Department of Education & Training
The Department of Education and Training was established to engage Queenslanders in life long
education and training and to build a strong arts and cultural sector which enriches the lives of Queenslanders.
Western Australian Department of Education & Training
The Department of Education and Training provides comprehensive school education for more than 250,000 students in 770
schools spread across Australia’s largest state.
South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services
The Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) is responsible for ensuring the provision of
children's services and public education throughout South Australia. Our key functions are: to set the
directions for education and care in South Australia; provide and regulate children's services; and manage
the state's education system.
Tasmanian Department of Education
The department is responsible for providing public education, vocational education and training, adult
and community education, and library and archive services throughout Tasmania. Services are provided through
four major organisational units: Early Years, Learning Services, Skills Tasmania, and the Community Knowledge Network.
Australian Capital Territory Department of Education & Training
The Department of Education and Training delivers high quality education services through government
schools; registers non government schools; and administers vocational education and training in the ACT.
Northern Territory Department of Education & Training
The NT Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) core services are School Education,
Vocational Education and Training, Training and Employment and Work Health. Independent functions of
DEET are the Education Advisory Council and Northern Territory Board of studies. DEET is committed to
developing a work ready labour workforce to meet the challenges of the future through stronger links
between lifelong learning and employment opportunities.
National, State and Territory Peak Bodies and Organisations
Adult Learning Australia Inc (ALA)
Adult Learning Australia is the national peak body representing organisations and individuals in the adult
learning field. ALA has members in all states and territories who reflect the extraordinary diversity of adult
learning. They include adult educators in universities, TAFEs, and community education providers; as well as
community workers, librarians, individual tutors and trainers, volunteers and students.
Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA)
AHISA is a professional association for Principals of independent and private schools across Australia. Members’ schools include day
and boarding, and are of religious and non-denominational affiliations. All schools whose principals belong to AHISA are concerned with maintaining
high standards of professional practice. They encourage the holistic development of young people, focusing on the development of the body, mind and spirit.
Association of Women Educators
The Association of Women Educators is an association committed to the full participation of women and girls
in education.
Australasian Association of Distance Education Schools (AADES)
The Australasian Association of Distance Education Schools is the peak professional
organization in Australasia representing school level distance education. AADES is a
professional advocate for the views and needs of school sector distance education at a state and
national level. AADES welcomes contact from anyone interested in school level distance education.
Australian College of Educators (ACE)
The Australian College of Educators advances the education profession nationally across all sectors
and levels for the individual and collective success of Australia's educators. In advancing the
education profession, ACE aims to: provide a strong national voice for the profession; promote
professional standards of a high order; recognise excellence in professional practice; foster the
professional learning of educators; enhance the status of the profession.
Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL)
The Australian Council for Educational Leaders is the major professional association for
educational leaders who's views are sought and respected by government and policy makers.
ACEL draws its membership from all sectors of education in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New
Guinea and the rest of the world.
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is committed to creating and distributing research-based knowledge,
products and services to improve learning across the lifespan in both formal and informal settings. Established in 1930, ACER has a long
history and solid reputation as a provider of reliable support to education policy makers and professional practitioners. As a private,
not-for-profit company, independent of government, ACER receives no direct financial support and generates its entire income through
contracted research and development projects and through products and services that it develops and distributes.
Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE)
The Australian Council of Deans of Education Incorporated is the peak organisation representing the deans
of faculties of education and heads of schools of education in Australian universities and other higher
education institutions. ACDE represents those responsible for initial and post-initial teacher education
and much of the education research and scholarship throughout Australia.
Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO)
The Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) is the peak national organisation representing the
interests of the parents, families and school communities of more than two million children attending government schools throughout
Australia. ACSSOs formal structure currently comprises ten government school organisations and their membership networks in all States and Territories.
Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA)
The Australian Curriculum Studies Association Incorporated was established in 1983 as a broadly based educational
association supporting the professional interests of educators in curriculum work from all levels and sectors
within and beyond Australia. ACSA works to support educators so that all students have access to a meaningful,
relevant and engaging curriculum. ACSA provides national advocacy and leadership in curriculum. ACSA is committed
to curriculum reform informed by the principles of social justice and equity and respect for the democratic rights
of all.
Australian Education Union (AEU)
The Australian Education Union has a membership of 175,000 educators who work in public schools, colleges, early childhood and
vocational settings in all states and territories of Australia. Members include teachers and allied educational staff, principals
and administrators mainly in government school and TAFE systems. The AEU represents its members industrially and professionally in
diverse forums. This includes the maintenance of comprehensive industrial protection and representation through industrial awards
and agreements in all industrial tribunals in Australia. This involves industrial research, negotiation and advocacy over a wide
range of matters including salaries and teaching and learning conditions.
Australian Federation of University Women
AFUW is the voice of graduate women promoting the advancement of women worldwide and their equality
of opportunity through initiatives in education, friendship and peace.
Australian Primary Principals' Association (AGPPA)
The Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) is the national professional association for Primary School Principals
in Australia. APPA represents affiliated state and territory Government, Catholic and Independent primary schools across the
nation (over 7,000 members). APPA is the national voice on national issues. It speaks directly to the Federal Government on
matters that concern school principals and their school communities.
Australian Secondary Principals' Association (ASPA)
Australian Secondary Principals' Association is the national association for leaders of government
secondary schools in the eight sates and territories in Australia. ASPA seeks to meet the individual
and professional needs of members in making a positive contribution to Australian society in general
and to Australian education in particular.
Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA)
Catholic Secondary Principals Australia (CaSPA) is the national peak body for Australian Catholic secondary school principals.
CaSPA is a federation of the principals' associations which represent Catholic secondary school principals in all Australian States and Territories.
Early Childhood Australia Inc (AECA)
Early Childhood Australia Inc. is the national peak non-government organization,
acting in the interests of young children aged 0-8 years of age. AECA works with Government,
early childhood professionals, parents, other carers of young children, and various lobby groups
to secure the best range of options and outcomes for children as they grow and develop.
Education Network Australia (EdNA)
edna is a network of the education and training community. It includes government and non-government schooling
systems, early childhood, vocational and technical education, adult and community education and higher education.
Isolated Children's Parents Association (ICPA)
Isolated Children's Parents Association (Aust) is a voluntary national parent body dedicated to
ensuring that all geographically isolated students have equality with their non-isolated peers,
of access to an appropriate education. ICPA has over 3,300 member families, residing in the more
remote parts of Australia, who all share a common concern of gaining access to education for
their children and the provision of services required to achieve this. ICPA seeks to have all
elements of a total education (cultural experiences, social contacts, participation in sport
and other enriching activities) available for all isolated children regardless of the location of their home.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research is a not-for-profit company owned by the state,
territory and federal ministers responsible for vocational education and training (VET). NCVER's function
is to: collect and analyses national VET statistics and survey data; undertake a strategic program of VET
research and development; communicate the outcomes of its research and data analysis to policy-makers and
practitioners; collect and makes available VET research findings from Australian and international sources
through the VOCED database; undertake commercial consultancies; build links with similar international
organisations to foster comparative analysis and collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
National Excellence in Teaching Awards Foundation (NEiTA)
The National Excellence in Teaching Awards Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation
to manage the ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards and to promote excellence in teaching of
children and young adults.
National Organisation of Women Students Australia (NOWSA)
The National Organisation of Women Students Australia (NOWSA) was first formed in 1987 based on
the ideals of building a grassroots, independent and autonomous network of women students. The
first NOWSA Conference was held in Brisbane in 1988 and over the years has grown to become a
key event on the feminist annual calendar. It is a women only conference hosted by a different
university in Australia each year.
Open Universities Australia
Open Universities Australia is owned and partnered by seven Australian Universities. Open Universities
Australia provides information about what you can study, a one-stop registration service and advice and
support to assist you with your study. The partner universities and colleges provide the course materials
and academic support, assess your progress and award your qualifications.
Principals Australia
Principals Australia was set up as the Australians Principals Associations Professional Development Council (APAPDC Inc) in 1993
at the national conference of the Australian Principals Associations, to provide support for principals in their own professional development. It
brings together primary and secondary State, Catholic and Independent principals' associations. Principals Australia exists to support principals
and their associations to build effective, inspirational and sustainable leadership in Australian schools.
Rural Education Forum of Australia (REFA)
Rural Education Forum Australia is a collective of national organisations which represent the
consumers and/or providers of education services in rural and remote Australia. REFA's work
recognises the importance and value of people in rural and remote areas being able to realise
their full potential and the fundamental importance of education enabling them to do this.
REFA's work is based upon principles of social justice, equity and improved access to the
range of goods, services and entitlements that impact on education or on services related to
education and educational outcomes.
Society for Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA)
The Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA) consists of people who share a common concern and
commitment to the maintenance and development of appropriate educational opportunities for rural communities in Australia. SPERA began in 1983
and has members in all Australian states and territories. The society holds an annual conference each year and produces regular
newsletters and journals for its members. SPERA has as its goals the advancement of education opportunities in rural Australia by: serving as a
national advocate for rural education; promoting delivery systems that bring about efficient and effective learning; and collating
and disseminating information on the provision of education in rural Australia.
Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE)
WAVE is a national network of women involved in VET, ACE and the broad field of work-related
education and training. WAVE provides seminars & workshops, research, policy advocacy and advice, as well as
networking on a national and state basis. We are supported within each state by local representation that in
turn contributes collaboratively to national events and governance.
State/Territory Institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE)
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions provide nationally accredited training programs
delivered through flexible training solutions that are designed to meet the varied needs of
individuals and businesses. The Institutes have a customer service mechanism that allows
suggestions and complaints to be recorded and forwarded to the appropriate office for action.
TAFE New South Wales
Victorian TAFE Association
TAFE Queensland
TAFE Western Australia
TAFE South Australia
Canberra Institute of Technology
The Tasmanian Academy, Tasmanian Polytechnic
and the Tasmanian Skills Institute
VET Northern Territory
Australian Universities and University of the Third Age (U3A)
Australian Catholic University
Australian Defence Force Academy
Australian Maritime College
Australian National University
Batchelor College
Bond University
Central Queensland University (CQU)
Charles Sturt University
Curtin University of Technology
Deakin University
Edith Cowan University
Flinders University of South Australia
Griffith University
James Cook University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
Monash University
Murdoch University
Charles Darwin University
Queensland University of Technology
RMIT University
Southern Cross University
Swinburne University of Technology
University of Adelaide
University of Ballarat
University of Canberra
University of Melbourne
University of Newcastle
University of New England
University of New South Wales
University of Notre Dame
University of Queensland
University of South Australia
University of Southern Queensland
Univeristy of the Sunshine Coast
University of Sydney
University of Tasmania
University of Technology
University of Western Australia
University of Western Sydney
University of Wollongong
Victoria University of Technology
Universities of the Third Age (U3A)
U3A - the University of the Third Age - is an international movement that encourages retired people
to take part in lifelong learning activities for pleasure. U3As allow people to study in a relaxed
environment at low cost. There are no prior qualifications, no exams and no degrees awarded. There
are many (U3A)'s within Australia. You can search for a U3A near you by using the U3A Online facility.
If you would like to update the details of a listing, or if you would like to add a new listing,
please email Women With Disabilities
Australia (WWDA)
Return to the top of this
page
Return to Home
Page
This site was developed by Carolyn Frohmader for Women With Disabilities
Australia.