The Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra this week has concluded with some promising reform directions and initial ‘easy wins’ for economic relief. The Government must continue the push for stronger reform to meet ambitious, but much needed, productivity goals. Reform directions for a national AI adoption and the skilled workforce are areas that we can contribute.
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities) welcomes the proposals for accelerating the National AI Capability Plan to fairly integrate new technologies into the workforce. Alongside this vital step, there is a critical need to ensure that training structures are in place to allow Australians to upskill, reskill and adapt to a changing workforce. We look forward to contributing to Minister Ayres’ work here.
ATN Universities also encourages the work supporting skills mobility. In our submission to the roundtable, we outlined proven approaches which can be scaled nationally, such as better coordination of recognition of prior learning and a National Skills Passport to support students to transition between sectors and careers. We are pleased to see progress on boosting skills portability especially for people who trained overseas.
Quotes attributable to ATN Universities Executive Director Professor Kent Anderson
“The ideas raised and immediate list of reform directions from this roundtable are a solid foundation for building economic resiliency and boosting our productivity. With the correct structures in place, effective strategies can be built – intensified by renewed priorities in education and training.”
“We must ensure that Australians are not left behind in the pursuit of economic change. Building an adaptable workforce takes commitment from the top down and must be done sustainably and without cutting corners.”
As Australia’s most industry-engaged university grouping, ATN Universities stand ready to work constructively alongside both Government and industry to ensure that our national productivity goals can be met, and that Australians have access to flexible, adaptable skills to meet our workforce needs.
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