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HE 020 892

Western Australian Post Secondary EducationCommission. Tenth Annual Report for the Period 1January to 31 December 1986.Western Australia Post Secondary EducationCommission, Nedlands.Feb 8750p.; For a prior report, see ED 250 989.West Australian Post-Secondary Education Commission,P.O. Box 135, Nedlands, W.A. 6009, Australia.Reports Descriptive (141)

MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage.Annual Reports; *College Planning; Financial Policy;Financial Support; Foreign Countries; *GovernmentSchool Relationship; *Postsecondary Education; PublicColleges; Public Policy; Resource Allocation; *StateBoards of Education; State Universities; TechnicalEducation; Technical Institutes*Australia (Western Australia); *Western AustralianPost Secondary Education Comm

ABSTRACTThe 1986 annual report of the Western Australian Post

Secondary Education Commission identifies objectives andachievements, policy initiatives, education program and relatedmatters, resource planning activities, national and stateconsultation efforts, and related governmental developments.Education program and related matters include: accreditation, newteaching developments, doctorates, aboriginal education, externalstudies, dental nursing course review, postgraduate nursing coursereview, community studies, visual arts education, and a voluntaryadult education grants scheme. The following resource planning issuesare addressed: capital works, recurrent funding, resource provision,enrollment growth, higher education funding, statistical systemdevelopments, and population influences on enrollment growth. Thenational tertiary education statistics collection system is alsoconsidered. Appendices include: a list of the functions and duties ofthe Commission; information on 1986 major committees of theCommission and a list of committee members; a list of Commissionstaff at the end of 1986; and a list of Commission receipts andpayments for 1986. (SW)

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TENTH ANNUAL REPORT

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN POST SECONDARYEDUCATION COMMISSION

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARYTO 31 DECEMBER 1986

The Premier, in Port Hedlund for the opening of Stage 2, Hedlund College,tests some of the new equipment installed for the computing centre.

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February 1987

To the Honourable R J Pearce, MLAMinister for Education and Planning

Sir

In accordance with Section 14(f) of the WesternAustralian Post Secondary Education Commis-sion Act 1970 and Section 66 of the FinancialAdministration and Audit Act 1985 I hereby sub-mit for your information and presentation toParliament the Annual Report of the WesternAustralian Post Secondary Education Commis-sion for the period 1 January to 31 December1986.

The Annual Report has been prepared inaccordance with the provisions of the FinancialAdministration and Audit Act 1985.The major achievements of 1986 were:

Preparation of advice for legislation to changethe name and enhance the status of the WAInstitute of Technology which is to be knownas the Curtin University of Technology from1 January 1987.Fulfilment of Government pledge through theopening of the Bunbury Institute of AdvancedEducation.Commencement of construction at Joondalupfor an additional campus of the WA Collegeof Advanced Education.Preparation of a vigorous and crediblesubmission to the Commonwealth on theState's needs for the 1988-90 Triennium.Increased study opportunities by means ofincreased enrolment numbers and provisionof new courses.Enhanced credibility of awards throughimplementation of Western Australian TAFEand advanced education accreditationprocedures.Formulation of proposals for the acquisitionof additional sites for tertiary education toserve the needs of the community well into thenext century.

Western Australia has the highest participationrate in higher education in Australia and is thesource of many initiatives which gain national

cognition. The Commission's achievementsresult from the outstanding commitment byCommissioners and staff to serve post secondaryeducation, the community and the Government.Such an acknowledgement is timely given thetight budgetary and staffing restraints whichapplied in 1986.

W A PullmanCHAIRMAN

Western AustralianPost SecondaryEducation Commission

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(L to R) Arthur Barton, John Millar and Carolyn Forth of WAIT working witha new testing rig that has brought together the areas of Medical Technologyand Mechanical Engineering in order to solve problems associated withindustrial corrosion. Arthur Barton, senior lecturer in Medical Technology,has been working for some time on testing biocides, chemicals developed tokill the microorganisms which attack pipelines and industrial machinery. Photoby Pat Strange.

6(iv)

CONTENTS

Letter of Transmittal

Page Nos

COMMISSIONMEMBERSHIP........ . viii-ix

THE COMMISSION IN BRIEF .. 1-3Role of the Commission 1-2Membership of the Commission 2Staffing of the Commission 2-3Operation of the Commission 3Commission Budget 3

OBJECTIVES AND POLICYACHIEVEMENTS .. .. 5-9

Objectives and Achievements During 1986 5-6Objectives 5Achievements 5-6

Policy Reviews and Performance Indicators 6-9Corporate Plan 6-7Performance Indicators 7-9

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES 11-26

Government Policy Initiatives 11Triennial Planning 11-12State University Proposal 12WAIT Change of Name and Status 12Overseas Students and Private Institutions 12-13Education Program and Related Matters 13-18

Accreditation 13-14New Teaching Developments 14Doctorates 14Aboriginal Education 14-15External Studies 15Dental Nursing Course Review 15Postgraduate Nursing Courses Review 15-16TAFE Participation and Equity Program Review 16Community Studies 16-17Visual Arts Education 17Submission to the Australian Science

and Technology Council 17-18Voluntary Adult Education

Grants Scheme 18Resources Planning 18-23

TAFE Capital Works 18TAFE Recurrent Funding 18TAFE Resource Provision 18-19Enrolment Growth in Higher Education 19-20Funding of Higher Education 20-21Statistical System Developments 22Information Bulletins 22Population Influences on

Enrolment Growth 22Unmet Demand 22-23Sites 23

National and State Consultation 23-26National Tertiary Education

Statistics Collection SystemWorking Party on the Structure

of Post Secondary Education

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23

23-24

Australian Council onTertiary Awards 24

CTEC/States Consultative Meeting 24Conference of Chairmen 24Working Party on Course-Related

Matters 24Standing Committee on External Studies 24-25Minister's Education Council 25Minister's Education Advisory Council 25Telecommunications in Tertiary

Education 25Youth Income Support Anomalies

Task Force 25Nursing Health Department 25Tertiary Institutions

Governance Committee 26Future Commission Projects 26

Evaluative Study Credit Transfer 26Seminar on the Future of Post

Secondary Education 26

RELATED DEVELOPMENTS .. 27-29

Commonwealth Reports 27Review of Efficiency and

Effectiveness in Higher Education 27Review of TAFE Funding 27

Commonwealth Developments 27Administration Fee 27

State and Institution Developments 27-28Ministry of Education 27Superannuation Funding 27-28Managing Change f.n the

Public Sector 28The Financial Administration and

Audit Act 28Commission Developments 28-29

Administration 28Equal Employment Opportunity

Management Plan 28-29Visitors 29

CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY 1986 ACHIEVEMENTSAND 1987 PROJECTIONS .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31-32

Secretariat 31Major Achievements for 1986 31Projections for 1987 31-32

APPENDICES 33-39

Appendix A Constitution, Functions and Duties of theCommission 33-34

Staff of the Commission 35Committees of the Commission 36Publications 37Statement of Receipts and Payments and Auditor

General's Opinion

Appendix BAppendix CAppendix DAppendix E

(vi)

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38-39

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Student in the Underground Workers Course at Kalgoorlie College learningto handle Mechanical Bogger.

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Chairman andChief Exe:-..11;;;:%Officer

W A PullmanMSc PhD(Birm)CEng FiMechE MACE(to August 1988)

P T CarterJP FAIMRetired Managing Director(to 28 February 1989)

COMMISSIONMEMBERSHIP AS AT31 DECEMBER 1986

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R CookPresident of W A Post SecondaryStudent Association(to 28 February 1987)

ii GillBE PhD(Cantab) MPA(Harvard)FIE(Aust)Director (Management Services),Main Roads Department(to 28 February 1990,appointed 25 September 1986)

P R GrimwoodBSc BE(Hons) MEngSc(Syd)MEng(AERO) PhD(Cornell)Director of Finance andNanning, Westrail(to 28 February 1990,resigned 4 July 1986)

G F HawkeAAppSc GradDipBus(Admin)GradDipScEdPGDipAppPhys(WAIT) GMIPAPrincipal, Mount LawleyTechnical College(to 28 February 1990)

10

M Jordan13Juris LLB(WAust)Solicitor in Charge ofthe PilbaraRegional Office of theLegal Aid Commission of WA(to 28 February1989,resigned 10 October 1986)

A KinnearBSc(Hons) PhD(WAust)AMusASenior Lecturer in Science,Western Australian Collegeof Advanced Education(to 28 February 1989)

M LtverlsOBE BSc(Hons) PhD(WAust)Associate DirectorDivision of Health SciencesWestern Australian Instituteof Technology(to 28 February 19881

D MossensonBEd MA PhD( :' Ai et) FACERetired DirectorGeneral,Education Department of WesternAustralia(to 28 February 1987,',

M E NairnBVEctOldi MSc(WAust)PhD(Minn) MACVSc ACVPDeputy ViceChancellor,Murdoch University(to 28 February 1990)

K D O'SullivanAIT(WAust) GradDipEd(Admin)(WAIT) FACEAssistant Director,Catholic Education WA(to 28 February 1989)

B R ScottASTC MIEAust MIChemEARACI FAIMConsultant EducationLiaison(to 28 February 1988)

Secretary tothe Commission

W J HowseBSc BEd(Hons)(WAust)MA PhD(Iowa) MAIP MACS FACE

THE COMMISSIONIN BRIEF

Role of the CommissionThe organisation of post secondary educationin Australia reflects the federal system ofgovernment. Government funding foruniversities and colleges of advanced educationis provided by the Commonwealth Governmentwhereas both the Commonwealth and StateGovernments fund technical and furthereducation. In Western Australia the universities,colleges of advanced education and threecolleges under the Colleges Act are establishedunder their own legislation with considerableautonomy. The major TAFE system isadministered by the Technical EducationDivision of the Education Department of WesternAustralia.

The following indicators provide an overview ofthe post secondary education system in WesternAustralia:

Universities and Colleges of AdvancedEducation (1986 data)

37 40('5 436

6 855$192 million$19 million

studentsequivalent full. timestaffcourse completionsrecurrent fundingcapital andequipment funding

Technical and Further Education (1985 and1985/86 data)

81 000

2 6401 525$104 million$35 million

students (excludingadult education)teaching staffnon-teaching staffrecurrent fundingcapital andequipment fundir.g.

The Western Australian Post SecondaryEducation Commission was established inDecember 1976 in response to a perceived needfor the State to play an enhanced role in theplanning and co-ordination of post secondaryeducation in Western Australia.

In accordance with the Commission's enablingAct it is concerned with the promotion,development and co- ordination %) f posfsecondary education throughout the State. TheCorr:nission fulfils this task by providing adviceon a wi4e range of matters to the State Ministerfor Education, the State Government, theCommonwealth ..ertiary Education Commission(CTEC) and post secondary educationinstitutions, namely Hedland, Kalgoorlie andKarratha Colleges, Murdoch University,Technical Edu .tion Division of the EducationDepartment of Western Australia, University ofWA, WA College of Advanced Edu ration andWA Institute of Technology.

The extract from the Commission's enablingAct, set out in Appendix A, shows that its roleis an advisory one, with emphasis onconsultation and collaboration. The Comr- Tsioninteracts with the institutions concerned,relevant State and Commonwealth authoritiesand other groups and organisations with aninterest in post secondary education, in orderto obtain a comprehensive and . ancling of theissues involved.

The Commission is indebted to the institutionsand to other groups and individuals whocontribute to its activities.

Most of the Commission's efforts are directed tothe provision of advice on the following matters:

the structure, balance and development of thepost secondary education system in WesternAustralia;

the overall level of enrolments in WesternAustralia and the distribution of theseenrolments among sectors and institutions andby field of study, level of course and modeof enrolment;

O the education developments which arerequired to meet present and emerging needswithin the State;the accreditation and national registration,when applicable, of academic awards;

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the resources required to meet the needs ofthe State for post secondary education, andthe distribution of these among institutions;andthe need for sites in strategic locations forfuture post secondary education institutions.

In addition to these policy and planningfunctions, the Commission and its staff areinvolved in a number of other activitiesincluding the provision of advice to StateGovernment Departments, the administration ofexpenditure programs under the Common-wealth States Grants (Tertiary EducationAssistance) Act, the provision of advice onindustrial relations and legal matters and thedevelopment and dissemination of statisticalinformation.

The Commission is responsible to the Ministerfor Education.

Membership of the CommissionAt the end of February 1986 Messrs C WLockhart, N P Rudeforth, P T Carter, ProfessorR M C Lourens and Mrs P M Smeeton completedtheir terms of appointment. The Governorreappointed Mr Carter for a further term of threeyears. Mr G F Hawke, Professor M E Nairn andDr P R Grimwood were each appointed for fouryears. In addition, Mr R Cook was appointedfor a term of one year. Tribute is paid to thecontribution of Messrs Lockhart and Rudeforth,Professor Lourens and Mrs Smeeton to the workof the Commission.Dr Grimwood tendered his resignation to takeeffect from 4 July 1986 due to his leavingWestern Australia to take up a new position inNew Zealand. Dr J I Gill was appointed in hisplace for a to -m ending in February 1990. MrsM Jordan resigned from the Commission on 10October 1986 due to professional commitments.

Staffing of the CommissionThe Commission is supported by a full-time staffestablishment of 16 (including the Chairman)and a number of part-time positions organised

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in accordance with four areas of activityeducation programs, resources, projects andadministrative services.The Chairman of the Commission has majorresponsibility for initiating policy development,ministerial liaison and developing externalrelationships with Commonwealth and Stateagencies and the education institutions. TheSecretary of the Commission a sts theChairman with policy matters and co-ordinatesthe activities of the Commission's secretariat.Principal functions associated with the four areasof activity are set out below:

Education programspreparation of advice on the development ofeducation programs, institution profiles ofprogram areas, enrolments and policies forthe accreditation of programs; andprovision of services for Commissioncommittees and working pa riles;

Resourcespreparation of advice on zapital works,equipment and recurrent funding needs;provision of statistical services for theCommission and external users; andprov:sion of services for Commissioncommittees and working parties;

Projectsundertaking of investigative studies andresearch as a basis for the development ofCommission policies; andpreparation of advice on matters relating tolegislation;

Administrative servicesprovision of administrative services for theCommission and its secretariat.

During the budget process there wasconsiderable uncertainty with regard to the levelof the Commission's part-time staffing which wasexacerbated by the late consideration of theState budget. This resulted in additional

13

pressures on the staff of the Commission formuch of the middle part of the year when theCommission's workload was high and otheradjustments were also required in response tostaff changes.

In accordance with the Public AuthorsSalaries Agreement the Commission hascompleted the salary broadbanding require-ments and submitted Personal Data Forms forpositions in the secretariat to the Office ofIndustrial Relations. Levels for positions will bedetermined in 1987. An information packagehas been developed for new staff members. Withthe introduction of broadbanding, the manualwill require further revision, once staff levelsunder this system are known.

Operation of the CommissionIn order to discharge its responsibilities, theCommission operates in a context of wideconsultation, having regard both to theautonomy of the education institutions and topublic policies as determined by State andCommonwealth Governments.The Commission normally meets once a month.Its work is facilitated by regular meetings of itsstanding committees, including the AcademicCommittee and the Resources Committee. AllCommissioners are members of one or both of

these committees and in 1986 attended at least20 formal meetings in addition to participatingin various discussions and other Commissionactivities.

Special purpose committees are also establishedwhen required and may include in theirmembership people from education, govern-ment, industry, commerce and the community.Details of the major committees whichfunctioned in 1986 are listed in Appendix C.

Occasional seminars arranged by theCommission have also promoted interaction withpeople from different backgrounds who sharean interest in issues of special significance.

Commission BudgetThe approved consolidated revenue componentof the budget for the 1986/87 financial year is$989 000, an increase of approximately 12 percent, most of which is committed to increasesin rental costs for accommodation, facilities andprojected salary costs. The Commission will beable to meet committed costs and maintainprincipal functions, albeit in a number ofinstances at a educed level. However, as statedelsewhere in this Report, reductions in staff hadto take place to enable the Commission to staywithin the salaries allocation.

Karratha College students in secretarial studies.

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OBJECTIVES ANDPOLICY ACHIEVEMENTS

OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS DURING1986

ObjectivesThe Commission is concerned with theplanning, promotion and co-ordination of postsecondary education in Western Australia. Itdoes so in a context of funding support from theCommonwealth Government to post secondaryeducation on a triennial basis and by the StateGovernment on an annual basis. Thus while theobjectives of the Commission vary from year toyear in compliance with these differing timeschedules, the broad goals remain relativelyunchanged. These goals may be stated as theprovision of a post secondary education systemto meet the educational, social and economicneeds of Western Australian citizens and indoing so to improve access, especially for.disadvantaged groups, for all who are able tobenefit from post secondary education.

Specific objectives for 1986 were:In recognition of the significance of thetriennial planning system in the developmentof post secondary education in the State, toprepare a vigorous and credible statement ofneeds for Western Australia for the 1988-90Triennium for submission to the Common-wealth by 31 December 1986 and to preparefor publication, a public statement of theCommission's assessment of those needs.

In recognition of the value for credit transferpurposes, as well as national recognition ofawards, to contribute to the establishment ofrevised registration guidelines at a nation&level to include accredited advancededucation awards and for the first time, TAFEawards. Subsequently, to implementapproved accreditation arrangements forTAFE and advanced education awardsgranted in Western Australia.Because of the importance to planning of areliable statistical system, to promote theestablishment of a national tertiary education

L -

statistics collection system with an associatedState involvement.Consistent with the goal of meeting the long-term needs of the State, particularly inrelation to the establishment of newinstitutions, to establish a structured processfor the acquisition of sites to meet futureneeds.

To provide support and advice to the Ministeras a means of assisting in the determinationof national and State policies for postsecondary education.To increase the efficiency of the Commission'soffice procedures through the application ofupdated word processing, telephone andcomputing facilities.

AchievementsBecause the work of the Commission is carriedout against a number of different time scales,it is not always possible to identify policyachievements in a particular year in relation tothe objectives of that year, as the followingexamples illustrate:

One of the major achievements in 1986 wasthe opening in November of the BunburyInstitute of Advanced Education. Thisinitiative fulfilled the Government'scommitment in the 1983 election and theCommission's subsequent advice about theprovision of post secondary education in theBunbury area.In a similar vein the study conducted in 1985into the visual arts was published at the endof that year and responses received in theearly part of 1986. For such a complex issuea considerable amount of discussion wasrequired with affected parties before theCommission determined its position midwaythrough the year and gave approval to theWA College of Advanced Education toexpand its offerings in the visual arts area.This initiative is of particular significance forthe phased development of the College'sJoondalup campus on which constructioncommenced in 1986.

5.16

Advice was also prepared for the legislationto change the name and enhance the statusof the WA Institute of Technology which is tobe known as the Curtin University ofTechnology from 1 January 1987. This actionfollowed from the State Government'sdecision to provide for the Institute to respondmore effectively to the education and researchneeds of the State.

The Commission's 1988-90 TrienniumSubmission on the future needs of postsecondary education was completed withinthe timetable set and on the basis ofwidespread consultation. This consultation,coupled with a large number of visits toinstitutions by Commissioners, helped tocreate an environment in which the work ofthe Commission was more readily understoodand the need for compromise between thecompeting demands of institutions accepted.

The guidelines for the national registration ofawards in advanced education and TAFEwere completed by the Australian Council onTertiary Awards in November 1986 and theWestern Australian procedures for theaccreditation and registration of TAFE andadvanced education awards in the State wereaccepted. These procedures will beimplemented in 1987.

A study of the needs for new sites inmetropolitan and country areas wascompleted in the year and guidelines for siteacquisition will be considered by theCommission early in 1987.

The effectiveness of the Commission is to alarge measure dependent upon the quality ofpolicy advice which it provides and also onthe opportunities provided for layCommissioners to make an effective input intothe preparation of such policies. Therestrictions on staffing during the middle partof 1986 have reduced this latter opportunity.Nevertheless progress has been made on anational system of student statisticalinformation such that a decision by State and

6

Commonwealth Ministers of Education in 1987ought to be possible.While perhaps three quarters of theCommission staffing effort is taken up withpolicy advice, there are significant areas ofwork requiring staff input in connection withthe administration of the post secondaryeducation system and accountability to theCommonwealth Government for fundsexpended. Staffing shortages taxed the abilityof the Commission to fulfil all of its obligationsin this regard, even though these were offsetto some extent by the introduction early in theyear of an integrated word processing andcomputing facility. A computer consultantseconded from the WA College of AdvancedEducation helped establish systems and trainstaff in the use of the new equipment andassisted in their understanding of its potential.

POLICY REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCEINDICATORS

Corporate PlanThe Commission made steady progressthroughout the year in the formalisation of itsprevious statements on goals and objectives intoa corporate plan as specified by the Govern-ment. Two meetings between the consultant ofthe Co-ordination and Monitoring Committeeand the Management Committee of the Commis-sion were held in addition to several seminarsinvolving staff in the identification of objectivesand strategies. This documentation was complet-ed and authorised by the Commission forforwarding to the committee.The process of determining the major tasks oroutcomes expected for 1986 resulted in triennialplanning being allocated one half of total staffresources in recognition of its importance to theeffectiveness of the Commission and thedevelopment of post secondary education inWestern Australia.Other tasks were necessarily reduced inemphasis and staff commitment as aconsequence. Considerable care was taken in

17

assessing priorities to ensure that the vital inputby the Commissioners to tha formulation ofpolicy was not unduly diminished because oflack of support services for committee meetingsand study groups.

Performance IndicatorsThe Commission is concerned with policies andproposals for the development of an educationsystem. It does not have the power of determin-ing the resources to be allocated for theimplementation of those policies and this divorceof ends and means makes the identification ofperformance indicators almost unique. Forexample, the Commission seeks to implementits co-ordination role by considering allproposals for the introduction of new courses intertiary institutions and providing advice thatsome should proceed and that some should not.This is an exercise in judgement on the need forthe course and does not lend itself to a directquantitative performance indicator.Similarly the accreditation assessment ofeducation programs is conducted through apeer review process by specialists who contri-bute to the maintenance of standards andprovide evidence of public accountability ofinstitutions for their activities and fundsexpended. The Commission's role as a facilitat-ing agent in this activity again cannot be readilymeasured by quantitative means. However, thereaction of those involved confirms that thebenefits to students, institutions and communityare such that the Commission's efforts andresources committed to this activity areworthwhile and justified.

Work continued, in association with thepreparation of the corporate plan, onperformance indicators dealing with the levelof education provision in this State, its qualityand the efficiency and effectiveness with whichit is delivered. However, it is important to pointout that the Commission is not in total controlof its workload. Items of immediacy and urgencyoften arise from decisions by the CommonwealthGovernment or State Minister which requireitems to take precedence over other itemsidentified at an earlier stage as being major tasksfor the year. Thus the contribution to thepreparation of legislation, the change of nameand status of the WA Institute of Technology,a study of a State University proposal and thelike make the simple application of performanceindicators to tasks identified at an earlier timeunnecessarily restrictive.

Notwithstanding these real difficulties it ispossible to make some statements about theefficiency and effectiveness of the Commission'swork.

In 1986 the principal task was to prepare andpresent to the Commonwealth on behalf of theState a zubmission for the 1988-90 Trienniumcovering policies, enrolment growth, recurrentand capital needs in respect of universities,colleges of advanced education and technicaland further education. This was planned toabsorb no more than half of the staff resourcesfor the year. The various objectives subsumedwithin this one task are set out in tabular formbelow, as well as details of another majorinitiative of 1986.

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Function 1:

Preparation of Planning Submission to the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission for the1988-90 Triennium as a vigorous and realistic statement of the State's needs.

ObjectiveCreate opportunity for inputby wider community to theprocess.Obtain clear understanding ofinstitutional views and provideforum for interchange ofinformation.

Consult with State Minister.

Maximise use ofCommissioners' expertise.

Meet CTEC deadline forpreliminary submissions by 31October.

Present final submission by 31December.

Dedicate half of the total staffresource to this function.

Comment on Efficiency and Effectiveness AchievedPublic advertisement and direct approaches resulted in someforty letters and submissions being received by Commissionfor analysis. Final report to be made widely available.Discussions with representatives of governing bodies,administrations, staff and students, including visits toinstitutions resulted in high level of mutual understanding.Process augmented by consultation through correspondence,exchange of technical data, and study of institutions'submissions to the CTEC.Formal and informal Minister-Commission discussions duringthe planning process resulted in acceptance of final reportby Minister.

Combined Commissioners-staff study groups on specialistthemes, to visit institutions, analyse information and proposerecommendations for full Commission consideration werehighly regarded and effective for both institutions and theCommission in bringing forward well developed proposals.

Submission presented on time.a Submission proposed inter alia: enrolment growth for higher

education in the range of 3.9% to 4.5% per annum, enhancedrecurrent funding levels, capital projects totalling $126M,policies for improved access in regional areas.

In discussions with the CTEC in Canberra by Commissionersand staff on 24 November no suggestions for change weremade by the Commonwealth.

Deadline achieved.Effectiveness of submission will be known in 1987 in light ofCommonwealth budgetary situation and Government policies.

Not achieved within the constraints of normal work loadbecause of commitments to other priority activities. Achievedonly by staff commitment well in excess of that normallyrequired.

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Function 2:Advice to and negotiation within the State.Increase funded totalenrolment levels.

Improve the provision ofplaces for higher education atregional colleges.

Increase Aboriginalparticipation.

the CTEC on enrolment levels of tertiary education institutions

Increase achieved at about the State's proportion on apopulation basis of the national pool available and atfunding levels acceptable to the institutions involved.20% increase achieved in the number of places to be madeavailable. As a relatively new development there is noreliable data base of demand and need but local advicesuggests that demand and need are far from satisfied.Information on attrition rates to be gathered to improvepolicy decision making in this area. ,

Achieved through allocation to Western Australia of 20% ofnational pool of extra places for Aboriginal students.

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Simon Forrest from the Department of Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies, WACollege of Advanced Education, raises the Aboriginal flag, assisted by childrenfrom the Ons low Primary School during National Aborigines' Week,

21to

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PRINCIPALACTIVITIES

GOVERNMENT POLICY INITIATIVES

In February 1986 the Premier advised theCommission of the Government's policyinitiatives outlined in the election which wererelevant to the Commission and sought aresponse as to how these would be implementedwithout additional resources.The ten points identified were all concerned withextensions of existing activities or policies of theCommission and a detailed response, endorsedby the Minister, was provided to the Premier.

TRIENNIAL PLANNING

Planning for the 1988-90 Triennium has been amajor activity for the Commission in 1986. Theprocess involves the Commonwealth and StateGovernments and their agencies and the postsecondary education institutions. TheCommission's role is to identify needs andpriorities in presenting a strong case to theCTEC to ensure that Western Australia gainsacceptance of its policies and receives the bestpossible share of Commonwealth funding forpost i.condary education.

A consultative approach was adopted by theCommission for this planning process, involvingmembers of senates and councils, staff andstudents in the education institutions, as well asa large number of representatives of communityinterests. Members of the Commission visitedseveral country centres and working groupswere formed to consider particular issues.Discussions were also held with the Minister forEducation. As well as these discussions, someforty submissions were r-. ,..ved from theeducation institutions and hik. ,ommunity.

The submission to the CTEC was presented tothe Minister for Education and a summary of itcirculated to those who have an interest in postsecondary education in Western Austr, lia.

The major issues and recommendations in thesubmission for the period 1988-90 were:The Commission:

pi °poses enrolment growth in highereducation of between 3.9% and 4.5% perannum (the CTEC proposes 3% per annumnet anal growth);

supports a growth in TAFE of 3% per annumin student contact :lours;justifies these rates of growth on the basis of:

projected population growth in WesternAustralia of 1.8% per annum (which is wellabove the national average of 1.3% per&..num);

pipeline effects of increased intakes intohigher education in 1986 and 1987;the need for increased participation intertiary education in Western Australia;

details a series of matters relating toconsolidation and rationalisation of academicprograms as follows:

Asian language teaching;external studies;information technology and library studies;andstage and studio techniques;

raises issues associated with the appropriatelevels of academic awards for teachereducation and paramedical education;raises issues concerned with child careprovision for the children of tertiary students;reaffirms the need to plan for theestablishment in 1990 of a Law School atMurdoch University;

seeks extension of contracting provisions forcountry colleges;argues for increased flexibility of fundingmechanisms to allow institutions to conductmore short courses;

argues for realistic levels of recurrent fundingfor additional student places and for a higherfunding base for student places in collegesof advanced education;

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seeks funds for capital expenditure in highereducation of about $37 million (at Dec '85 costlevels);

seeks Commonwealth funding for TAFEcapital works at the level of about $48 million(at Dec '85 cost levels) State funding of $41million is also to be sought;seeks additional research funding,particularly for activities associated withtechnological education and for the futureCurtin University of Technology;stresses the need to overcome the presentdifficulties of tertiary education institutions toadd to, and update, the equipment neededfor teaching and research;seeks additional, realistic levels of funding forthe renovation of facilities and for other minorworks;

reiterates its concern about the effects oncolleges of advanced education of theCommonwealth's limit on its contribution toemerging cost superannuation schemeswhich, for these colleges in WesternAustralia, will mean a deficit of about $3million by 1990; andrequests reasonable levels of establishmentmonies for the Joondalup Campus of the WACollege of Advanced Education ($0.3 millionper annum) and the Bunbury Institute ofAdvanced Education ($0.2 million in 1988).

The Commission stressed the importance offurther consultation with the CTEC early in 1987prior to the finalisation of the CTEC advice tothe Commonwealth Government.

STATE UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL

Midway through the year the Minister requiredthe Commission to examine and report, as amatter of urgency, on a proposal to form a stateuniversity through the amalgamation ofMurdoch University, the WA Institute ofTechnology and the WA College of AdvancedEducation. A report was submitted to the

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Minister on the principles Involved and advicewas received that no further work needed to beundertaken for the time being on this matter.

WAIT CHANGE OF NAME AND STATUS

During the year the Government indicated itsintention to proceed with the change of nameof the Institute to the Curtin University ofTechnology. The Chairman of the Commissionassisted in the preparation of legislation to bringabout the changes required incorporating thefunctions for the institution and increasedflexibility with respect to some property andfinancial matters. Expectations are that theInstitute's status and its ability to attractindustrial sponsorship and research funding willbe enhanced. Legislation was passed in theSpring 1986 session of Parliament and theproclamation date of 1 January 1987 was set.Changes required in administrative arrange-ments and a number of policy issues arising fromthis initiative will be taken up by the Commissionin 1987. There has been no agreement by theCommonwealth to increase the funding of theinstitution.

OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND PRIVATEINSTITUTIONS

A number of developments affecting overseasstudents occurred during the year, consequentupon the publication of the CommonwealthGuidelines in 1985. These have included privatesecondary institutions for study to tertiaryentrance examination requirements, as well asvigorous promotion of study opportunities atWestern Australian institutions for overseasstudents, either on campus or off-shore.Murdoch University, the University of WA, WACollege of Advanced Education and WAInstitute of Technology, together with theTechnical Education Division of the EducationDepartment and Karratha College have alldeveloped policies for admission of full fee-paying students. They are now participatingwith the State Government initiated EXIMCorporation in the promotion overseas of theirprograms.

23

The Commission has monitored developmentsincluding the role of Austrade with a view toensuring that the wider interests of institutionsand the community are safeguarded. In thiscontext the Commission studied the WA Instituteof Technology proposal to the Tokyu Corpora-tion in Japan for the establishment of a campusat Yanchep. The impact which such a develop-ment might have on state-wide planning andwhether there would be a significant enrolmentat Yanchep of Australian students funded by theCommonwealth were considered. Later in theyear the Premier announced that TokyuCorporation had decided not to proceed withthe project.

EDUCATION PROGRAM AND RELATEDMATTERS

AccreditationOne of the first tasks of the Western AustralianCouncil on Tertiary Awards (WACTA) whichwas established late in 1985 as a standingcommittee of the Commission, was to developprocedures for the accreditation of the TAFEawards of the Technical Education Division ofthe Education Department. These procedures,which were based on existing course develop-ment and validation procedures operatingwithin the Division were subsequently endorsedfor introduction by the Australian Council onTertiary Awards (ACTA) at its meeting in June1986.

The implementation of the new TAFEaccreditation procedures was conditional upona satisfactory report of a tripartite review of thecapacity of the Technical Education Division,and in particular, that of its advisory committeesystem, to assess its courses for the purposes ofrecommending accreditation, try WACTA priorto registration by ACTA. In fulfilling their remit,the three review committees were concernedprimarily with the course evaluation process,rather than the graduating students. The reviewcommittees adopted the ACTA definition ofcourse development: the process by which the

educational standard and appropriateness of acourse is evaluated for accreditation purposes.The three reviews were of the Trades andAssociated Areas; the Sciences and Technol-ogies; and Commercial and Business Studies,the Arts and Education. The reviews werecarried out during the months of July andAugust 1986. WACTA considered the reviewreports and formulated a number of recom-mendations for the improvement of TAFE coursedevelopment and evaluation procedures,including the constitution and functions of theadvisory committee system. The recommenda-tions have been accepted by the TechnicalEducation Division and their implementation isexpected to proceed in 1987. On this basisWACTA granted interim accreditation tocourses in the Trades and Associated Areas andagreed that accreditation reviews for all othercourses for which the Division would need toseek accreditation and national registrationshould proceed in 1987.

These accreditation procedures will embracethose Technical Education Division courseswhich are offered by the colleges establishedunder the Colleges Act. Other TAFE courseswhich are offered by these colleges and the WAAcademy of Performing Arts, for which nationalregistration needs to be obtained, will beaccredited through the Procedure B processdescribed in the following paragraph.

During the year WACTA continued to conductaccreditation for advanced education coursesin accordance with policies and proceduresestablished by the Commission. Two procedureswere used. Under the first, Procedure A, theCouncil, in consultation with the institution, isresponsible for the administration and conductof accreditation reviews. A second approach,Procedure B, allows institutions to assumegreater responsibility for reviews. Under thisprocedure, the institution appoints reviewparticipants and is responsible for the conductof the review, including preparation of approp-riate documentation, administration and theprovision of secretarial support.

13 24

WACTA also has now developed a thirdprocedure for the accreditation of advancededucation courses. The procedure, which hasbeen termed 'self accreditation status' delegatesto the council of an advanced educationinstitution responsibility to carry out proceduresfor the accreditation of its courses in accordancewith guidelines defined by WACTA. Theseproposals have since been endorsed by ACTAfor implementation and major institution reviewsfor the WA College of Advanced Education andthe WA Institute of Technology are scheduledfor March 1987. It is anticipated that subject tosatisfactory reviews these institutions will applythe new procedures from June 1987 onwards.During 1986, nine Procedure A reviews werecarried out. Of these, one related to courses atthe WA College of Advanced Education and 8for courses at the WA Institute of Technology.Five reviews were carried out using ProcedureB, 3 at the WA College and 2 at the Institute.Twenty-two WA Institute of Technology coursesand 8 WA College of Advanced Educationcourses were accredited in 1986. All accreditedcourses are subsequently entered on thenational register of advanced education awards.

The annual report of WACTA was consideredarni accepted at the Commission's Decembermeeting.

New Teaching DevelopmentsUnder the terms of its Act, the Commission hasa responsibility to consider in general terms theacademic development of post secondaryeducation institutions, as well as the institutions'individual course proposals. The planning fornew courses is fundamental to the developmentof post secondary education in WesternAustralia and therefore to the Commission'splanning, co-ordination and promotionfunctions.In 1986 the Commission's Academic Committeeexamined a total of 46 course proposals. Of these14 were submitted from the university sector, 30from the advanced education sector and 2 from

14

the TAFE sector. Thirty-four proposals wereapproved or endorsed, 3 were withdrawn, onewas deferred and 8 were rejected. The numberof proposals considered was similar to that inrecent years, reflecting modest growth in bothnew courses and additional areas in existingcourses.During its deliberations on course approval theAcademic Committee gave furtherconsideration to its policy in regard to doubledegrees. A statement was circulated toinstitutions to provide guidelines for thesubmission of proposals for this type of award.Towards the end of 1986 the Commission,through its Academic Committee, developed anew set of procedures for the consideration ofnew courses in the three sectors of postsecondary education. These will be consideredby the Commission early in 1987.

Doctorates

Consistent with its earlier statements on the needfor the development of a form of doctorateappropriate to the needs and functions ofcolleges of advanced education, the matter wasraised by Western Australia at the June 1986meeting of the Australian Education Council.The Council agreed that discussions betweenthe Commonwealth and the States shouldcontinue on this basis.This was done at the thirteenth CTEC/StatesConsultative meeting and a committee, chairedby the Chairman of the Commission andincluding the Chairman of the UniversitiesAdvisory Council, the Chairman of theAdvanced Education Advisory Council and theDirector of the Queensland Institute ofTechnology, has been established. This groupwill be expected to report back in time for theJune 1987 meeting of Ministers.

Aboriginal Education

In 1986 the CTEC, as part of its initiatives toovercome disadvantage, continued to provide

25

special assistance to increase the intakes ofAboriginal students into post secondaryeducation. During the year 60 places wereprovided for these students in Western Australia

45 places at the WA College of AdvancedEducation, 10 places at the WA Institute ofTechnology and 5 at the University of WA.In 1986 the Commission continued to providefor the discussion of issues in Aboriginaleducation through its Aboriginal EducationCommittee.

In its discussions the committee considered newteaching developments for Aboriginal students,possible initiatives for the 1988-90 Triennium,and gave advice on a CTEC funded project onWA Institute of Technology bridging coursescarried out by Dr A Gallagher of the CTEC.

External StudiesThe External Studies Review Group in 1986prepared the third of its annual reports. Itfocused on current areas of rationalisation inexternal studies provision in Western Australia.The first part of the report included generalinformation on the nature and extent of ration-alisation, while the second provided data onstudents involved in the external mode l.-..4 study.

In May the Chairman of the CTEC's StandingCommittee on External Studies disc ssed withthe group the sc-ne for ration .ising theinstitution's production facilities for externalstudies learning materials. This matter alsoreceived attention in the CTEC Review ofEfficiency and Effectiveness in Higher Educationwhich was released in October.

During 1986 research in distance educationincluded the following projects.

an investigation into contracting in WesternAustralia as a case study in inter-sectoral co-operation conducted by Dr John Walsh, Headof Corporate Development and ExtensionServices at the WA Institute of Technology;and

an investigation into interstate co-operation,based on a data bank for the development and

delivery of TAFE external studies coursesconducted by Mr Roy Farren, Head ofTechnical Extension Cervice, TechnicalEducation Division of the EducationDepartrr.,:nt of Western Australia

The Commission is considering the possibilityof further research and investigation in 1987into the joint provision of services for thepresentation of external studies.

Dental Nursing Course ReviewFollowing on from the report on arrangementsfor the transfer of nurse education in WesternAustralia to colleges of advanced educationwhich was completed ir 1985, the Commissionarranged for one of its members to convene acommittee to consider future arrangements forthe training of dental nurses. The Commissionaccepted the recommendation arising from thecommittee's review that this training shouldremain under the direction of the Perth DentalHospital. Subsequently the committee has takenup issues related to additional duties for dentalnurses and alterations to the duties of existingdental auxiliaries. The issues are complex withconflicting views being held by the partiesinvolved. A satisfactory outcome in 1987 will bedependent on the full co-operaticn of allconcerned.

Postgraduate Nursing Courses ReviewFollowing the transfer of basic general nurseeducation from hospitals to colleges of advancededucation, the Commission recognised that theincrease in undergraduate opportunities fornurses was likely to lead to an increased demandfor postgraduate studies. A review of thesecourses was initiated to assist institutions and theCommission ir. providing information on needand demand and facilitating the co-ordinateddevelopment of studies in this area. A steeringcommittee was established, chaired by theCommission Secretary and with persons fromthe Health Department of Western Australia andthe Schools of Nursing at the WA College ofAdvanced Education and the WA Institute ofTechnology. A member of the Commission

15 26

secretariat was assigned to undertake the reviewunder the guidance of the steering committee,on the basis of interviews with interestedindividuals and organisations identified by thecommittee.The review commenced in March 1986 and areport was prepared in August for submissionto the Commission through its AcademicCommittee. The report indicated that while theneed and demand for postgraduate courses inclinical nursing was likely to increase rapidlyin future, significant increases were unlikelyuntil the 1990s.On this basis, the report recommended that boththe WA College and the Institute have a rolein providing postgraduate courses in nursingbut that the College's entry into the field bedelayed until 1990; and that the two institutionsco-operate through their Advisory Committeestructures to avoid unnecessary duplication ofeffort.

The Commission accepted the report'srecommendations in principle and is consultingwith both institutions to ensure that appropriatemechanisms are established for the futuredevelopment of postgraduate nursing courses.

TAFE Participation and Equity ProgramReview

In October 1985 the Commission agreed to assistthe CTEC with a Review of the TAFEParticipation and Equity Program. The AssistantSecretary of the Commission was seconded toCTEC for a period of twelve months, ending inOctober 1986, to carry out the review. Theprogram provides funding to Stcate TAFEauthorities and a small amount to communitygroups for special vocational short courses andother initiatives designed to help unemployedyoung people to improve their level of educationand employment prospects.

The review has been completed andrecommendations for a new program whichincorporate features of the existing program,

16

together with streamlined administrativearrangements and increased emphasis onmonitoring and program performance, arebeing considered by the CTEC.

Community Studies

The steering committee which was establishedto follow up the Commission's review ofCommunity Studies completed in 1985, metthroughout 1986 and held discussions withinstitutional representatives and professionalgroups in order to clarify matters contained inrecommendations and to obtain agreement foraction by institutions.

The report recommended the transfer of SocialWork to Murdoch University from the Universityof WA. This was consistent with the Commissionpolicies for the consolidation of courses withininstitutions which could provide the mostappropriate environment and adequateresources for their ongoing development.During the year discussions were held betweenthe two universities and the report's proposalwas examined within the University of WA bya working party established by the Vice-Chancellor. The working party proposed thatthe Department of Social Work remain at theUniversity of WA and that collaborative schemesat undergraduate and postgraduate levels bedeveloped with Murdoch University. Theseincluded the program being changed to providetwo years of general studies followed by twoyears of specialist studies in social work.Arrangements would provide for Murdochstudents to transfer into the final two years andfor Murdoch staff to contribute to the teaching,with the possibility of students obtaining a jointdegree. The proposals will be consideredfurther by the two institutions and theCommission.

The report also recommended the developmentof a framework for an articulated system ofcourses in the areas of residential and non-residential care. This would afford students who

27

completed a TAFE diploma the opportunity ofproceeding directly to two years of further studyfor a Bachelors degree at the WA College ofAdvanced Education. Discussions initiated bythe Commission with representatives of theCollege and the Technical Education Divisionof the Education Department produced arrange-ments in keeping with these recommendations.They included provision for common advisorycommittee membership between the twoinstitutions and the publishing by both groupsof credit arrangements for students from TAFEwho sought to continue their studies at theCollege. The Commission has written to the WAInstitute of Technology seeking similar transferof credit arrangements.In September of this year the steering committeemade a final report to the Academic Committeeon progress made in the implementation of thereport's recommendations. The AcademicCommittee will continue to monitor the situationwithin institutions of actions taken with respectto the recommendations of the report.

Visual Arts Education

During 1986 the Commission's AcademicCommittee considered further the majorrecommendations of the Commission's Reviewof Visual Arts Education, completed in 1985,with a view to developing implementationstrategies.One of these recommendations proposed theestablishment of an Academy of the Visual Arts.The Commission endorsed the desirability of anAcademy but noted that, although fundinglimitations would hinder its development in theshort term, in the longer term it was seen as aviable option. The Commission decided thatafter a five year interval to allow for thematuration of current developments in visualarts education it would review the option for anAcademy. Consistent with its decision theCommission endorsed a proposal for theupgrading of the WA College's existing facilitieswith a School of the Visual Arts resourced

through the re-o ganisation of resources andpriorities within the College.The Commission noted the support that the WAInstitute of Technology gave to the retention anddevelopment of its visual arts courses followingthe release of the report. The Commissionsupports the Institute developing a major centrefor industrial design courses. In its response theInstitute indicated its willingness to accept thespirit of the report and advised that it is workingtowards giving the area of design separate statuswithin its organisational structure.The report recommended the further develop-ment of the Centre for Fine Arts at the Universityof WA and the Commission has sought, an earlydecision from Murdoch University on its futureinvolvement in visual arts. These institutionshave signified their support of therecommendations of the report and MurdochUniversity has listed the development of visualarts as one of the academic initiatives it isexamining for the 1988-90 Triennium.The Commission also wrote to the Director-General of Education requesting that theTechnical Education Division carry out a reviewof its visual arts program. The EducationDepartment has given support to this proposalbut because of the need for wide consultationand internal planning initiatives during 1986 itwill not be able to undertake this project untilearly in 1987.

In the submission to the CTEC for developmentsin the 1988-90 Triennium the Commission hasindicated its support for development in thevisual arts area consistent with its decisions onthe recommendations of the Visual ArtsEducation Report.

Submission to the Australian Science andTechnology CouncilThe Commission made a submission to theReview of Higher Education Research Fundingconducted by the Australian Science andTechnology Council. In its paper and in oralpresentation, the Commission argued thatparticular attention should be given to the

17 28

promotion of academic-industrial collaborationin the technology transfer process in order toencourage the application of research findingswithin industry. To this end some changes to theCTEC policy on funding institutions for teachingand research were proposed.

Voluntary Adult Education Grants SchemeIn 1986 the Commission continued to beresponsible for administration of the State'sallocation from the Commonwealth fundedVoluntary Adult Education Grants Scheme. TheCommission's community-based committee,appointed for this purpose, gave invaluableservice in overseeing implementation of theprogram.Western Australia's allocation for the 1986VAEGS program was $121 000_ The totalavailable for distribution was $114 950 afterallowing for administration costs, which this yearalso included the cost of sending two delegatesto the Non-Government Adult EducationProgram National Workshop in Tasmania.The committee considered over 100applications, of which 68 were successfulcovering a large range of needs amongst thesocially and economically disadvantaged in thecommunity. Grants were provided to the follow-ing groups: special inters q groups $26 612(21 grants), the physically and intellectuallyhandicapped $26 921 (13 grants), disadvan-taged women $17 018 (11 grants), the unemploy-ed $10 621 (6 grants), people in isolated places$10 411 (7 grants), senior citizens $4 104(2 grants), migrants $8 272 (4 grants) andAboriginal people $10 495 (4 grants). The y rantscovered the following purposes: personal andsocial development which were allocated$45 037, literacy and numeracy projects$22 547, particular skill development $23 673,information and counselling training $11 504,general education $7 053 and training teachersand helpers $4 640.The scheme plays an important role in wideningeducational opportunities in this State.

18

RESOURCES PLANNING

TAFE Capital WorksAs part of the annual budget cycle theCommission collaborates with the TechnicalEducation Division, the Colleges establishedunder the Colleges Act and the WA College ofAdvanced Education for the WA Academy ofPerforming Arts, to determine a priority listingof capital projects for the following year. TheGovernment's sale of the Perth TechnicalCollege site necessitated a significant variationto previous schedules for capital developmentin 1986/87.Major TAFE projects in 1986/87 will be PerthTechnical College Stage 2 ($5.342m), Leeder-ville Stage 1 ($1.192m from State sources and$2.89m in 1986 and 1987 from the Common-wealth), Midland Stage 2 ($7.147m in 1986),Hedland College Residential ($1.180m in 1986),the Newman Centre LiF,rary ($0.581m in 1987)and Perth Technical College Stages 3 and 4($6.867m in 1986 and 1987). General loan fundestimates allow for $10.3m from State funds and$11.9m in Commonwealth funds during 1986/87,both sources providing substantially lessfunding in 1986/87 than in 1985/86.TAFE Recurrent FundingGn an annual basis the Commission, followingconsultation with the colleges established underthe Colleges Act and the WA College ofAdvanced Education for the WA Academy ofPerforming Arts, provides advice Treasuryon the recurrent funding ramifications of thevarious educational initiatives of the institutions.A number of broad indicators of institutionalgrowth and development are computed as partof this process.As part of its attempts to reduce expendituresthe State government is encouraging the reviewof work practices and other efficiency measureswithin the TAFE system. The financial results ofthese initiatives are not yet apparent.TAFE Resource ProvisionRecent trends in resource allocation to TAFE inWestern Australia are set out in Table 1.

29

TABLE 1: RESOURCE ALLOCATION TO TAFE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1983/84-1985/86 ($.000)

Grant Category Funding

Source*

Financial Year

1983/84 1984/85 1985/86

Capital Works C/w 7 721 12 595 15 930State 4 903 8 364 15 608Other 1 025 866 1 472

Minor Building C/w 0 0 0Works State 240 529 372Equipment C/w 2 159 1 911 1 229

State 2 190 2 138 2 564Recurrent C/w 10 662 13 279 14 463

State 73 526 84 382 89 347

TOTAL C/w 20 542 27 785 31 622State 80 859 95 413 107 891Other 1 025 866 1 472

Source: Annual CTEC Statistical Collections

State and Commonwealth (C'w) sources of funding are identified in this Table In the case of the Colleges established under the Colleges Act capital fundinghas also been provided from 'other' sources including Regional Cultural Facilities Funds and private industry.

Enrolment Growth in Higher EducationAllowing for differences in the methods ofcalculating student load at universities andcolleges of advanced education, there weresome 1 000 additional equivalent full-timeplaces in Western Australian institutions from1984 to 1985 and a further 800 places from 1985to 1986.

Following representations by the Commission

to the Commonwealth Tertiary EducationCommission during 1986, additional fundinghas been provided for a further 235 places forcommencing students in higher education in1987. These places which will be accommodatedat the University of WA (60 places), at Murdoch(80), at the WA Insititute of Technology (45) andat the WA College of Advanced Education (50),are incorporated in the planning ranges forinstitutions in 1987 in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2: STUDENT LOAD IN UNIVEISITIES (EFTSU) AND COLLEGES OF ADVANCED EDUCATION(EFTS) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA ACTUAL 1984-86. PROJECTED 1987

Year MurdochUniversity

Universityof WA

WA Collegeof Advanced

Education

WA Instituteof Technology

1984198519861987 3

222

030-3

157428744230 7

877

860-8

019804976160 7

677

360-7

464033366660 9

889

165-9

710943148565

Source: CTEC Report for 1985.87 Triennium Volume 4.

19 30

These figures exclude the special places forAboriginals and for nursing students fundedrespectively by the Commonwealth and theState.Following capital works developments duringthe next few years, it is anticipated that 1 500places in nursing will eventually be providedat the WA College and the WA Institute ofTechnology, an increase of 1 100 places overthose available in 1986.

Funding of Higher EducationThe 1985-87 Triennium commenced with anational increase in real terms of 2.8% in fundsfor 1985, compared with the previous year.Annual national budget figures indicatedfurther increases of 1.9% in real terms for 1986and 2.6% for 1987. However, without theintroduction of the administration charge for the1987 academic year which will increase therecurrent funds for institutions, funds wouldhave declined by 1.0% in 1987.Commonwealth funding for higher educationinstitutions in Western Australia for the period1985-87 is summarised in Table 3.

20

It should be noted that this table does not reflectthe funds provided to higher education by theState Government. The transfer of basic nursingeducation to colleges of advanced education hasrequired capital expenditure commitments of$12.4 million and recurrent commitments inexcess of $9.0 million. The Bunbury Institute ofAdvanced Education was provided with $4.9million in 1985/86 and $2.7 million in 1986/87for capital works. Recurrent allocations willeventually total $370 000 per annum. AdditionalState funds totalling $880 000 are to be madeavailable to the WA Insititute of Technology todevelop a Petroleum Exploration Centre as partof the Commonwealth funded Science andTechnology building.Table 3 indicates that Western Australiaexpects to receive 11.7% of available capitalworks funding in the 1985-87 Triennium. On theother hand the State receives somewhat less thanits population-based share of resources,according to student load measures, forequipment, minor building works and generalrecurrent funding.

31

TABLE 3: COMMONWEALTH FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIAACTUAL 1985. ESTIMATED 1986-87 ($.000)

Institution Grant 1985(Actual)

1986 1987 % NationalTotal +

A. CAPITAL GRANTS

Major BuildingsMU: Science Bldg., Stage 1 674 4 592 1 330UWA: Architecture Bldg.* 1 189WACAE: Joondalup Campus, Stage 1 500 3 232 2 605

Library (Church lands Campus) 1 452 1 947WAIT: Science/Technology Bldg.* 1 281

SUB-TOTAL 1 174 9 276 8 352 11.7

Minor Building ProjectsMurdoch University 259 301 307University of WA 373 520 653WACAE 447 376 384WAIT 448 587 600

SUB-TOTAL 1 527 1 784 1 944 9.0

EquipmentMurdoch University 1 249 1 030 1 282University of WA 3 071 3 575 3 997WACAE 1 010 1 189 1 346WAIT 2 238 2 638 2 986

SUB-TOTAL 7 568 8 432 9 611 8.3

B. RECURRENT GRANTS (GENERAL) #

Murdoch University 22 474 25 833 28 000University of WA 63 321 68 701 68 935WACAE 34 664 38 813 40 080WAIT 53 681 59 065 59 664

SUB-TOTAL 174 140 192 412 196 679 9.0

Source Advice from the CTEC regarding amendments to the States Grants (Tertiary Education Assistance) Act 1984, provided in November 1986.+ 1987 funding as a cvo of the corresponding national total (except for the capital figure of 11 70,0 which is the 1985-87 Triennium funding as a u/o of the

corresponding national total) The national totals include data for ACT institutions. The reported percentages can be compared with the Western Austrailanproportions in 1987 of 9 6% of the estimated student load and 9.1% of the estimated national population, based on ABS Series A projections.

' Further funding is expected to allow completion.

4 Excludes special purpose grants, research grants, grants for expenditure on teaching hospitals or universities.

1.`..r. 21 32

Statistical System DevelopmentsAs a consequence of the introduction of the newWANG computer system the Commission hasgained enhanced access to data pertaining tohigher education in Western Australia.Substantial use has been made of spreadsheetsand graphing facilities in order to provideefficient and meaningful presentations ofcommon data.There has been considerable improvement inthe CTEC's statistical collections, particularlyin the areas of individual student records, fieldof study classifications and student loadmeasures. Improvements in the definition andstructure of fundamental data elements havebeen accompanied by an attempt to reduce thedifferences between the data collected for thevarious sectors of tertiary education. Thesechanges have made it imperative that theCommission review its own use of and access todata. In 1987 resources will be committed toproviding a flexible means of obtaininginformation specifically to enhance theCommission's monitoring role in tertiaryeducation.The CTEC has also indicated its desire toupgrade finance and staffing statistics.Following recent trials, the Finance Collectionis expected to become fully operational in 1987.A new collection of staffing statistics is expectedto undergo trials in 1987.All of the above developments can be expectedto put considerable pressure on the resourcesof the Commission during 1987.

Information BulletinsThe Commission has initiated a series ofInformation Bulletins which aim to providebroad overviews of key aspects of tertiaryeducation in Western Australia. The bulletinspublished in 1986 were: Retention Rates inEducation by State; Participation in HigherEducation in 1986 by Region; and Enrolmentsin Higher Education in 1985 by 'Broad Field ofStudy'. The bulletins have been distributed to

22

education authorities and GovernmentMinisters.

Population Influences on Enrolment GrowthAs background material for institution planningfor the 1988-90 Triennium the Commissiondeveloped several papers which estimated theeffect of population change on higher educationenrolment distribution. In its submission to theCTEC the Commission noted that demographicgrowth in Western Australia exceeds thenational average and as a consequence the Stateneeds to be considered in a different mannerto those States which are not growing.

Unmet DemandThe Commission initiated a seminar to discussthe ramifications of a study of unmet demandundertaken by Dr N Bards ley of the WA Instituteof Technology. Differences in definitions usedby institutions and States make comparisonsbetween courses, institutions and States difficult.However, it would appear that 'unr, et demand'did decline in Western Australia in 1986compared with 1985.

The Report of the Committee of Inquiry intoEducation in Western Australia (the BeazleyReport), published in 1984, recommendedsignificant changes to the structure of the schoolsystem, with respect to both administration andcurriculum. Similarly, the Report on Assessmentin the Upper School in Western Australia (theMcGaw Report) in the same year considered thepost compulsory years of secondary education.The McGaw Report recommended substantialbroadening of the options available to studentsin Years 11 and 12 in Western Australia. As aresult of action taken to implementrecommendations of these reports, students willhave a wider choice of subjects and it isexpected that retention rates for uppersecondary education will increase. This willaffect tertiary education programs from 1987onwards in two ways:

the nature of the academic preparedness ofsome tertiary education entrants will change,and

33

e the size of the cohort who may qualify foradmission will increase.

Consequently it seems likely that there will bea considerably greater demand for places inhigher education and in TAFE. In addition,TAFE programs will need to be restructured asthe proportion of students entering them fromYear 12 increases.

In 1986 changes are being made to the scalingprocedures adopted for tertiary entrancequalifications in Western Australia. This willresult in an increase in the proportion of the17-18 year old cohort who will be regarded as'qualified' for entry to undergraduate programsin higher education, and is expected to doublethe current level of 'unmet demand'. This in turnwill lead to community pressure for an increasein higher education and TAFE places. Therevised scaling procedure will also bringWestern Australian practice into line with thepractices adopted in other States. TheCommission brought these matters to theMinister's attention.

SitesA major review of sites planning was started inJuly 1986, with the aim of setting up proceduresfor locating and inquiring sites for futureinstitutions and evaluating the appropriatenessof the sites currently designated for highereducation. The project officer was a member ofthe WA College of Advanced Education staffwho was attached to the Commission for thisreview.

The project coincided IA th the State PlanningCommission's review of the Corridor StructurePlan for the metropolitan region, and thus therewas considerable consultation between officersof the two Commissions. The town planners ofall the outer metropolitan local governmentauthorities were also consulted.The study reported that a continuing decreasein population was expected in the establishedsuburbs over the next 40 years, while the outersuburbs would experience substantial increases.These projections and the location of existing

.0.

23

education institutions indicated the need for sitesto serve the outer metropolitan regions.The study of site requirements i aised severalpolicy issues, including the relationshipbetween the higher education sec,,or and TAFE,and the role of higher education in regionaldevelopment. The project, which rici,:l inDecember, recommended that sites be acquirednear Armadale, Midland, Rockingham andMandurah and suggested options for particularsites. Discussions will continue in 1987 with theState Planning Commission and recommenda-tions for a revised sites policy and specific siteacquisitions will be brought before theCommission.

NATIONAL AND STATE CONSULTATION

National Tertiary Education StatisticsCollection SystemThe establishment of an effective partnershipbetween the States and the Commonwealth inthe creation of a national tertiary educationstatistics system has been under discussion forsome time and as a result of an initiative byWestern Australia at the June 1986 meeting ofMinisters, further progress was made. A workingparty was established to examine alternativesand prepare a proposal for a national centre toundertake the collection of data. The workingparty, chaired by the Chairman of theCommission and including representation fromall States and Territories, has developed analternative to a centralised Canberra-basedmodel. The proposal is currently underconsideration and a report is to be made to theJune 1987 meeting of Ministers.

Working Party on the Structure of PostSecondary EducationAnother working party of which the Chairmanof the Commission was a member was concernedwith the future structure of post secondaryeducation. This working party, chaired by theChairman of the CTEC, submitted its report tothe June 1986 meeting of Ministers. The advice

34

of the working party, endorsed by Ministers, wasthat the present three sector system has servedpost secondary education well in coping withexpansion, amalgamation, contraction andchanging demands by the community. A majorrestructure was not considered necessary inorder to eliminate the difficulties at the interfacebetween sectors. Thus, for example, the reportsuggested that research by colleges of advancededucation and within TAFE could be accom-modated by suitable adjustments within thepresent system arrangements. The workingparty has now been discharged.

Australian Council on Tertian' AwardsThe Australian Council on Tertiary Awards(ACTA) met on four occasions during the year.A major feature of its work has been theestablishment of a single statement of guidelinesfor the registration of both advanced educationand TAFE awards. The Chairman of the Com-mission is a member of ACTA.

CTEC/States Consultative MeetingAn important feature of Commonwealth-Statecommunications is represented by the CTEC/States Consultative Meetings which are heldtwice annually with agenda items suggested bythe Commonwealth or individual States.Western Australia has submitted a number ofitems for consideration during the year,including doctorates in colleges of advancededucation and policies governing theestablishment of private tertiary institutions. Themeetings provide a forum for discussion ofpolicy matters.

Conference of ChairmenInterstate consultation takes place by means ofthe Conference of Chairmen of State TertiaryEducation Authorities and this provides avaluable informal forum in which to exchangeinformation about developments in the Statesand identification of common problems. Foursuch meetings were held in 1986 at a time whenChairmen were meeting for business associatedwith the AEC, CTEC/States meetings andACTA.

24

Working Party on Course-Related MattersDuring 1985 a member of the Commission'ssecretariat participated on an AdvancedEducation Advisory Council Working Party onCourse-Related Matters. The objectives of thisworking party were to conduct a broad inquiryinto course-related matters affectingparticipation and equity in advanced educationand to advise the Council and State Co-ordinating Authorities on appropriate course-related measures to improve participation andequity.

The report of the working party was sent to theCommission by CTEC in April 1986 with arequest for comment by June 1986. TheCommission's reply stressed that meaningfulprogress in increasing participation and equityin higher education is dependent upon theavailability of earmarked funding. TheCommission is aware that in the absence of suchfunding those institutions charged withproviding and co-ordinating higher educationare faced with the intractable question of howto allocate limited educational resources amongcompeting applicant groups.The Commission has addressed issues raised inthe report in the context of its submission for the1988-90 Triennium.

Standing Committee on External StudiesIn 1985 the Commonwealth Minister forEducation appointed a Standing Committee onExternal Studies to encourage the national co-ordination of external studies across the threesectors of post secondary education and toaddress major issues in distance education. TheWestern Australian representative on thiscommittee is Dr Maureen Smith from theUniversity of WA.During 1986 the committee provided advice tothe CTEC committee reviewing efficiency andeffectiveness in higher education on possibilitiesfor rationalisation Ali the provision of externalstudies with the aim of achieving economies inits operation.

35

The committee also prepared advice for theCTEC's 1988-90 Triennium report stressing theneed for co-operation between institutionsoffering external studies, and the advantages tobe obtained from the use of emergingtechnologies and other co-operative measuresaimed at achieving greater efficiency andeffectiveness in the delivery of externalprograms.

In 1986 the committee made available a limitedamount of funds for research related to externalstudies provision and defined specific areas forresearch in 1987.

Minister's Education CouncilIn 1986 the Minister established an EducationCouncil, comprising chief executive officers ofdepartments and commissions within theEducation portfolio, together with the head ofthe Catholic Schools Commission and arepresentative from the independent schools. Avariety of topics of concern to the schools andpost schools areas were considered, includingimplementation of the Beazley Report, unmetdemand for tertiary education and certificationof completion of high school study.

Minister's Education Advisory CouncilThe Council was established in 1983 as a forumfor advice on education policy matters withmembership drawn from a wide range oforganisations with an interest in post secondaryeducation. Following some questioning aboutthe continued need for such a body the Ministersought comments from various parties and in thelight of these decided in November to disbandthe Council.

Telecommunications in Tertiary EducationThe Secretary to the Commission continued hismembership of the WA Satellite EducationAdvisory Group, the national Working Party onTelecommunications in Tertiary Education andthe WA Government Communications AdvisoryCommittee. The most significant event of 1986was the extension of the education television

25

programs produced by tertiary educationinstitutions to distant parts of the State 45 a resultof GWN commencing its satellite service as theRemote Commercial Television Licensee forWestern Australia. Unfortunately, in the presenttight financial situation, the Western AustralianGovernment was unable to fund, in the 1986/87Budget, the proposed 'Educational SatelliteNetwork' referred to in the 1985 Report of theCommission.

Youth Income Support Anomalies Task ForceThe Commonwealth Government is introducingmajor changes in the income support provisionsfor young people over the period 1986-88 as partof its Priority One strategy. Mechanisms havebeen established in each State and Territory togauge the effectiveness of the changes andidentify any anomalies. A task force has beenconvened by the Minister for Youth in WesternAustralia for this purpose and the Secretary ofthe Commission is a member. The group hascanvassed widely views from the community asa basis for a report to the Minister for Youth andadvice to the Commonwealth Government earlyin 1987. One of the issues being considered isthe impact in Western Australia of the newAustudy scheme which replaces previoussecondary and tertiary education allowanceschemes.

Nursing Health DepartmentThe Committees established by the HealthDepartment to facilitate the transfer of nurseeducation from hospital schools of nursing tocolleges of advanced education completed theirtasks during 1986 and were disbanded inNovember.

The working party established by the NursesBoard of Western Australia to review theregulations under the Nurses Act made anumber of recommendations to the Board whichwere acceptable to tertiary education institutionsand to the Board but the Board had not changedits regulations by the end of 1986. This is anunsatisfactory situation and the Commission willbe pursuing the matter further in 1987.

36

Tertiary Institutions G "vernance CommitteeThe Tertiary Institutions Governance Committeeconcluded its task in August 1985 and the reportwas released to institutions and other bodies forcomment, by the Minister late in 1985. Some 16responses were received and analysed duringthe course of 1986 and it is anticipated that theseand the report will form the basis of futurelegislative changes to membership and functionsof the Senates and Councils of institutions

FUTURE COMMISSION PROJECTS

Evaluative Study Credit TransferIn September 1986 the Commonwealth TertiaryEducation Commission advised this Commissionthat it had approved a grant of $17 000 as acontribution towards the total cost of a projectto investigate transfer of credit in the areas ofengineering and visual arts within post secondary institutions in Western Australia.Credit transfer falls outside the responsibility ofany one institution and development of effectivemechanisms requires negotiation across theinterests of individual institutions. TheCommission is committed to facilitating thesenegotiations on a positive basis. In 1984 theCommission convened a working party on credittransfer and its report was the subject of an openforum early in 1985. These initiatives showedthat there was support amongst institutions forthe development of credit transfer arrange-ments. The Commission was also encouraged byagreements on credit transfer between theTechnical Education Division and the WACollege of Advanced Education which arose out

26

of the Community Studies Review carried outin 1985.

The study will develop a model for credittransfer within the areas of engineering andvisual arts as a guide to wider ,-pplication. It ishoped that the selection of these two diversefields will give the study greater standing in thedevelopment of a generic model.The study commenced in November 1986 andit is anticipated that it will be completed and areport presented to the CTEC by May 1987.

Seminar on the Future of Post SecondaryEducationThe present three sector structure for postsecondary education has been subjected toincreasing criticism over the past twelve months,particularly by those seeking changes in thefunding and status of the colleges of advancededucation. Others have supported continuationof the existing structure, albeit in someinstances, with greater provision for cross-sectoral developments.During 1986 the Minister for Education madea number of announcements regarding his viewsof the future structure of post secondaryeducation and invited the Commission toorganise a national conference to be held earlyin 1987 on this topic. Arrangements are well inhand to involve a number of internat.onal andnational figures in a seminar. It is hoped thatthe outcomes will be valuable in initiating awider debate on the form of post secondaryeducation system required to serve Australia'sneeds to the end of the century and beyond.

2.7

RELATEDDEVELOPMENTS

COMMONWEALTH REPORTS

Review of Efficiency and Effectiveness inHigher EducationThe 1984 guidelines from the CommonwealthGovernment to the CTEC requested an enquiryinto the efficiency and effectiveness of highereducation institutions. This report wascompleted in the course of 1986 and was thesubject of a national seminar conducted underthe aegis of the Royal Australian Institute ofPublic Administration in Canberra on 25November 1986. Sections of the report dealt withthe impact of the recent periods of expansionand financial constraint, the need for a reviewof staffing conditions, research and doctoratesin colleges of advanced education, creation ofnew institutions and renaming others asuniversities, and restructuring of the number ofinstitutions providing external study. It isanh,ipated that the Government will respondto the recommendations of the committee in 1987having regard to the reactions received follow-ing the release of the report.

Review of TAFE FundingThe review was undertaken by the CTEC inresponse to a request from the CommonwealthGovernment and was completed in May 1986.Recommendations from the review have beenpresented in a context of the need for continuedCommonwealth assistance in response to theCommonwealth's objectives for TAFE.While no major changes are proposed to thepresent framework for financial assistance,proposals are made for sharper focusing ofprograms on achievable outcomes, as well asimprovements in monitoring and evaluation ofprogram performance. The recommendationsalso provide for a clearer identification ofCommonwealth and State commitments andresponsibilities with respect to TAFE.The Commonwealth Government will provideits response to the review in time for the CTECto build necessary provisions into its initialplanning advice to the Commonwealth Govern-

ment for the 1988-90 Triennium. This will becompleted early in 1987.

COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENTS

Administration FeeThe Commonwealth Government hasintroduced for 1987 an administration fee of$250 for all students undertaking award or non-award university and advanced educationcourses. The fee, to be collected by theinstitutions, will be adjusted in subsequent yearsfor administrative cost increases. Common-wealth financial assistance for universities andcolleges of advanced education will be reducedon a pro rata basis as a consequence of thischarge. The impact of the fee on educationparticipation and the adequacy of exemptionand allowance provisions for cases of hardshipwill be watched closely in 1987.

STATE AND INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENTS

Ministry of EducationThe Chairman and members of the Commissionhave discussed with the Minister on a numberof occasions the creation of the proposedMinistry of Educe "ion. The Commission hasbeen advised that its role as advisor to theMinister will not be materially affected by thisdevelopment which seeks to co-ordinate inputsto the Minister.

Superannuation FundingIn its recent triennial submission to the CTECthe Commission drew attention to the completelyunsatisfactory situation relating to the specialfunding provided for emerging cost super-annuation schemes. This funding, which islimited to 14% of relevant salaries for paymentof pensions, requires urgent resolution. The WAInstitute of Technology, the WA College ofAdvanced Education and the Universities havetaken action to reduce problems in the long termby joining the Superannuation Scheme forAustralian Universities. The immediate

327

8

problems require a review of the presentarrangements and resolution of differing viewsheld by States and the Commonwealth.In previous representations to the CTEC, theCommission has provided details of the out-goings and liabilities of the institutions. In 1985the WA Institute of Technology expended 15%of salaries on pensions, and the WA College ofAdvanced Education 16%. The extra moniesrequired to pay pensions have had to be takenfrom the funds provided for teaching purposes.Each of these institutions expects to havepension liabilities in excess of $1 million perannum within the next few years, and the 14%limit on special funding for these purposes willforce an even greater reduction in the moniesavailable for teaching.

Managing Change in the Public SectorThe Commission has noted the StateGovernment's White Paper, which stresses theneed for a flexible and adaptive public sectorsuited to accommodating change, whileproviding for the career development of publicemployees. The paper sets out the Government'sviews on policy formulation, financialaccountability and human resource management. Emphasis is placed on achievingflexibility in the Government workforce, and onredeployment and retraining of staff rather thanretrenchment.The paper will provide a guide for theCommission's future activities and managementpractices.

The Financial Administration and Audit ActThe Act requires that the Commission's AnnualReport be completed within eight weeks of theend of the financial year i.e. by the end ofFebruary. For this Report the Commission isrequired to provide financial statements for theperiod 1 July 1985 to 31 December 1986 (seeAppendix E). Full balance sheets will berequired for subsequent Annual Reports. Otherdocuments which the Commission must provideunder the terms of the Act a Corporate Plan,

28

Accounting Manual, Department of Computingand Information Technology Manual andAssets Register have been produced and arebeing systematically reviewed and updated asnecessary.In accordance with the new Act theCommission's Administrative Officer will beresponsible for the required 'PrincipalAccounting Officer' and 'Certifying Officer'functions.

COMMISSION DEVELOPMENTS

AdministrationIn January 1986 the Commission integrated itsword processing and computing operations witha new WANG system. This facility enabled theCommission to increase its word processingoutput through workstation compatibility whichwas not previously available. Additionally, datastorage and analysis can now be undertaken onan automated basis.During the year the Commission's ComputingConsultant produced a manual to meet therequirements of the Department of Computingand Information Technology detailing the needsof the Commission, the equipment installed andfuture areas where expansion will be required.This document is to be upgraded regularly toencompass any changes and needs as theyoccur.The Commission's 10 year old switchboardfacility was upgraded in January 1986 to allowdirect dialling end free the operator for wordprocessing duties.

Equal Employment OpportunityManagement PlanThe Commission, in common with other publicsector agencies, is required to prepare amanagement plan under the terms of the EqualOpportunity Act, 1984. The Director of EqualOpportunity contacted the CommissionChairman in April 1986 and agreed, in view ofthe heavy workload generated by the

39

Commission's triennial planning responsibilit-ies, to arrange for a postponement of theCommission's involvement in this task. Amember of the Commission's secretariat isexpected to attend a seminar early in 1987 toobtain guidance on the development of an equalemployment opportunity management plan forthe Commission.

Visitors

The Commission was pleased to receive severaldistinguished visitors during the course of theyear. These included:

Members of the Commonwealth TertiaryEducation Commission and Councils

Professor N DunbarDr G RamseyMs M Bickley

Officers of Federal Staff Associations

Mr G McCulloch Federation ofCollege Academics

29

Mr L Wallis Federation ofAustralianUniversities Staff

ssociationMr F Harpley Federation of

AustralianUniversities StaffAssociation

Shadow Minister for EducationMr N Moore, MLC

Overseas Visitors

Dr W Birch Director, BristolPolytechnic, UK

Dr P Hackett Principal, CamborneSchool of Mines, UK

Dr R Lewis Council for NationalAcademic Awards,UK

Professor T BlackstonePrincipal, BirkbeckCollege, Universityof London

Professor Blackstone also conducted a seminarat the Commission's offices for senior membersof institutions, Commissioners and staff.

40

4 - ^

-111=111

4

1. t.1=.

'f:,` -4,,,Zft

MOM ynew w O.*

Clive Eger, Senior Lecturer in Smell Animal Medicine and Surgery at MurdochUniversity gives some tips to lames Pass (6) and Rochelle Smith (13).

4130

TV"

CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY1986 ACHIEVEMENTS1987 PROJECTIONS

SecretariatThe Commission secretariat provides anongoing service for the maintenance of thecommittee structure for the Commission in orderto maximise opportunities for input by laymembers of the Commission. In addition thesecretariat discharges some activities associatedwith the administration of the States Grants(Tertiary Education Assistance) Act; providesanalyses, advice and information to other armsof Government (for example, to Treasury inrespect of the budgets of the Collegesestablished under the Colleges Act and the WAAcademy of Performing Arts); collaborates withthe Technical Education Division in theestablishment of state-wide programs of TAFEcapital requirements for both State andCommonwealth funding; processes applicationsfor the national registration of accreditedawards; and assists in the fulfilment of theCommission's unique role in bringing togetherparties, (for example chief executive officers andplanning officers from different institutions) forconsideration of specific issues and generaldiscussions such as evaluation of unmetdemand, teacher supply and demand, andcredit transfer between TAFE and highereducation. Even this diverse list is not completeand it needs to be augmented by mention ofinvolvement in national and state workingparties.There can be no doubt that the State is well-served by the work of those members of thecommunity who accept appointment as Commis-sioners and by the diverse, complex and highlevel work carried out by members of thesecretariat with enthusiasm, energy andcompetence.

Major Achievements for 1986The following initiatives were completed in1986:

Preparation of advice for legislation to changethe name and enhance the status of the WAInstitute of Technology which is to be known

as the Curtin University of Technology from1 January 1987.

Fulfilment of Government pledge through theopening of the Bunbury Institute of AdvancedEducation.

Commencement of construction at Joondalupfor an additional campus of WACAE.Preparation of vigorous and crediblesubmission to the Commonwealth on theState's needs for the 1988-90 Triennium as apreliminary to negotiations.

Increased study opportunities by means ofincreased enrolment numbers and provisionof new courses.

Enhanced credibility of awards throughimplementation of approved WesternAustralian TAFE and advanced educationaccreditation procedures.Formulation of proposals for the acquisitionof additional sites for tertiary education toserve the needs of the community well into thenext century.

Projections for 1987At the end of 1987 it should be possible to pointto the achievement of the following:

Significant improvements in access to postsecondary education and enrolments in insti-tutions in Western Australia, together withincreased funding commitments for recurrentexpenditure and capital projects as a resultof the Commission's submission to theCommonwealth Tertiary EducationCommission in 1986 and detailed negotiationsduring 1987.Promotion of ideas and discussion about thefuture structure of post secondary educationin Australia as a result of the national seminarto be conducted by the Commission early in1987.

Effect changes required in policies andadministrative procedures to provide approp-riate status for the Curtin University of

31 4 2

Technology (which is to replace the WAInstitute of Technology from 1 January 1987).

Establishment of proposals for theimprovement of credit transfer for studentsbetween TAFE and higher education as aresult of the study carried out by theCommission under the financial sponsorshipof the Commonwealth Tertiary EducationCommission.

Progress in the establishment of cunsolidatedor consortium-type arrangements for thepromotion of academic activities in areas of

32

small student der.lard and small departmentsin a number of education institutions.Devolution of responsibility for assessmentand accreditation of courses to the WAInstitute of Technology and the WA Collegeof Advanced Education.Accreditation and national registration of themajority of programs within the TAFE sectorin accordance with the proceduresestablished by the Commission in 1986.Completion of the Commissions corporateplan, including operational plans.

43

APPENDICES

Appendix A Constitution of the Commission:

Constitution, 6 (1) The Commission shall consist of(a) a person appointed as Chairman of the Commission who shall also be the chief executiveFunctions and officer of the Commission;

Duties of the (b) eleven other members being persons selected for their knowledge of and interest ineducation, community affairs in the city and country, employment problems, orCommissiongovernment.

(2) Of the members other than the Chairman not more than four nor less than three shall beExtract from the persons actively engaged in post-secondary education.

Western AustralianPostSecondary 6A The following provisions apply to and in relation to the Chairman, that is to sayEduce tion (a) he shall be appointed by the Governor on ti.e recommendation of the Minister for a termCommission Act, not exceeding seven years;

1970. (b) the conditions of his service shall be such as the Governor determines;(c) he shall be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Governer may from time to time

determine;(d) he may be re-appointed, from time to time at the expiration of a term of office, unless he

has been removed from office by the Governor under paragraph (e) of this section;(e) he may, at any time, be removed from office by the Governor for disability, bankruptcy,

neglect of duty or misconduct, or if, without the consent of the Governor, he engages inany other remunerative employment; and

(f) he may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor.

Functions of the Commission:12 (1) The Commission shall have the functions set out in subsection (2) of this section and shall

perform those functions subject to the Minister and with due regard to the traditionalautonomy of universities and to the major role of universities in areas outside the scot ofpost-secondary education.

(2) The functions of the Commission are(a) to assist the Minister, and the Government of the State, in the formation of State views

on the promotion, development and co-ordination of post-secondary education and forthat purpose to make recommendations to the Minister on those matters having regardto the needs of the State, the number of stuaents to be provided for, and the financialand other resources available;

(b) to make recommendations to the Minister and where appropriate, the relevantCommonwealth Education Commissions on the establishment and location of, and theacquisition and reservation of sites for, new post-secondary education institutions;

(c) to advise the relevant Commonwealth Education Commissionson(1) the levels of financial support requested by post-secondary education institutions,

or authorities governing such institutions, for the purposes of post-secondaryeducation; and

(ii) requests for a variation from an approved triennial programme of a post-secondaryeducation institution or an authority governing such institutions;

(d) for the purpose of achieving rationalisation of resources and the avoidance of unnecessaryduplication, to(i) advise the governing authorities of the respective post-secondary education

institutions; and(ii) make recommendations, where appropriate, to the relevant Commonwealth

Education Commissions,on proposals for the establishment of new post-secondary education courses of study;

(e) to advise the Minister and the governing authorities of the respective post-secondaryeducation institutions on(i) the terms and conditions of appointment and employment, including salary payable,

of the staff, whether academic or otherwise, of those institutions; and(ii) all claims relating to the terms and conditions referred to in subparagraph (1) of

this paragraph;(ea)to advise the governing authorities of the respective post-secondary education institutionson

(i) the fees to be charged by and paid to those institutions for classes or courses,examinations, and academic awards conferred; and

(ii) the criteria for entrance to those institutions with a view to avoiding multi,,ieexaminations and facilitating, where desirable, the movement of students betweenthose institutions;

(f) to determine, when so requested by a post-secondary education institution oran authoritygoverning such institutions, the minimum requirements for new academic awards andto accredit those awards; and

(g) to collaborate, where appropriate, with the relevant State and Commonwealth authoritieswith regard to the preparation of plans for buildings to be used by post-secondaryeducation institutions, the letting of contracts for the building of such buildings, andthe general supervision of building operations in relation to such buildings.

it

33 44

Duties of the Commission:14 The Commission shall

(a) consider requests and submissions of educational institutions and authorities that relate tothe proposals of those institutions and authorities for future developments in post-secondaryeducation:

(b) confer and collaborate, on matters relating to post-secondary education. with educationalinstitutions and authorities and with departments of the Commonwealth and the States ofthe Commonwealth and other appropriate bodies or instrumentalities of the Commonwealthor the States of the Commonwealth;

(c) constantly review an aspects of post-secondary education and, on its motion or the requestof the Minister, make reports thereon;

(d) consult with post-secondary education institutions for the purpose of encouraging. whereIt is desirable and feasible. the shared use of resources such as expert staff, libraries.computers. laboratories and expensive teaching or research equipment; and

(e) promote and undertake research relevant to the planning, development and effective co-ordination of post-secondary education throughout the State.

Institutions Consultation with the Commission:14A The Commission may require any post-secondary education institution to consult with the

Commission, or with the Commission and any other post-secondary education institution orinstitutions, upon any aspect of the affairs of the institution that is relevant to the functions orduties of the Commission, and the institution shall comply with that requirement according toits tenor.

Duty of Institutions to provide information to the Commission:14B (1) A post-secondary education institution shall

(a) before making any submission to the Tertiary Education Commission, or any of itsagencies, relating to(1) the development or financing of the institution;(ii) the introduction of new courses by the institution, the continuance or discontinuance

of existing courses, or any significant change in the nature. duration or contentof any existing course; or

(iii) any other significant matter relating to the administration of the institution.advise the Commission of the proposed submission and, subject to paragraph (b) ofsubsection (2) of this section. obtain the views of the Commission thereon: and

(b) furnish the Commission with such other information as the Commission may reasonablyrequire for the purpose of performing any of its functions or duties.

(2) Where a post-secondary education institution has advised the Commission of a proposedsubmission pursuant to paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) of this section(a) the Commission shall use its best endeavours to examine the proposed submission and

convey its views thereon to the institution as soon as is practicable;(b) the institution may make the proposed submission notwithstanding that the Commission

has not yet conveyed its views thereon to the institution if(1) it is authorised to do so by the Commission: or(ii) a period of thirty days has elapsed since the Commission was advised of the

proposed submission.(3) In subsection (1) of this section the Tertiary Education Commission" means the Commission

constituted under the Tertiary Education Commission Act 1977 of the Commonwealth, asamended from time to time. or any other authority .constituted under a law of theCommonwealth to take over the functions of that Commission.

4534

Appendix B

Staff of the Commissionas at 31 December 1986

SecretaryWalter 1 howseBSc BEd(Hons)(W Aust)MA PhD(Iowa) MAIPMACS FACE

Senior AssistantSecretaryA Neil StewartBA DipEd(W Aust) MEdPhD(Alberta) FACE FIEA

Assistant SecretaryA Royce StandishBEc(W Aust)MA(Econ)(Brunel)

Principal Research andPlanning OfficerLaurie MoneyBA BEd(W Aust)MSc(Rcading)

Senior Research andPlanning OfficersJulie M HarrisLLB(Hons)(Exeter)

Evan H JonesBA(W Aust)(on secondment to PSB)

Research and PlaningOfficersMarlene 1 BevanDipTeach(Graylands)

lo M )(inningsBA(ANU)

Patricia ReynoldsMA(W Aust)

Assistant Research andPlanning OfficersDianne B BaruffiBA(Soc Sc) DipEdGrad Dip (Soc Sc)(WAIT)

David R LloydBA(Hons)(W Aust)

Administrative OfficerGail ShortTTC(Q1d) TDipT(Lon)

ClerkWendy A Ingram

3ecretary to the:hairman

Joanne D White

Secretary to theSecretaryVacant

Typist/ReceptionistSue Cash

Research and PlanningOfficer (part-time)Vacant

46

35

Librarian (part-time)Evette HouseCert Lib Prac(PTC)

Clerical Assistants(part-time)Carmen DownesMarie Mack

Typist (part-time)Dianne Martin

ConsultantsAnne M B RogersBA(W Aust) ALAA

John WilkieBCom(W Aust)Grad Dip(Comp)(WAIT)MACS

Appendix CCommittees of

theCommission

The terms ofreference,

membership structureand, whereappropriate.,

membership during1986 of the permanent

Commissioncommittees are shown

The Academic Committee

Terms of reference

To study and report on all academic issues affectingthe promotion and coordination of post-secondaryeducation and such other matters as are referredto it.

Membership structure

Chairman of the Commission - ex officioFive members of the Commission (one of whomwill be 'Thairman of the Committee)Secretary to the Commission ex officioSenior Assistant Secretary - ex officio

The five Commission members were:

Chairman - Dr D MossensonMr R Cook Professor M NairnDr A Kinnear Mr D O'Sullivan

The Resources Committee

Terms of reference

To study and report on trends and needs in the leveland distribution of enrolments and in the provisionof physical and financial resources to meet thedevelopment requirements for postsecondaryeducation in the State, and such matters as arereferred to iL

Membership structure

Chairman of the Commission - ex officioSix members of the Commission (one of whom willbe Chairman of the Committee)Secretary to the Commission - ex officioPrincipal Research and Planning Officer

The six Commission members were:

Chairman - Mr B ScottMr P Carter Mr G HawkeDr Gill Dr M LivensVacancy from 4 July 1986

The Management Committee

Terms of reference

To recommend on the Commission's:

(a) budget(b) staffing requirements(c) conditions of service for staff(d) specific appointments of professional staff.

Membership structure

Chairman - Chairman of the CommissionTwo Commission membersSecretary to the Commission

The two Commission members were.

Mr B ScottDr P Grimwood to 4 July 1986Professor M Nairn from 4 July 1986

The Executive Committee(established from time to time as necessary)

Terms of reference

To handle any urgent business which arises whilstthe Commission is in recess in DecemberFebruaryand on such other occasions as required.

Membership structure

Chairman of the CommissionChairman of the Academic Committee (or if

unavailable, a member of that Committee)Chairman of the Resources Committee (or if

unavailable, a member of that Committee)

The Voluntary Adult Education Committee

Terms of reference

To administer a Commonwealth 'Government

36

scheme involving the allocation of grants forvoluntary adult education in Western Australia.

Membership structure

A Commission representative as ChairmanA member of the CommissionA nominee involved in adult education withinTAFE from the Education DepartmentFive community membersMembers coopted by the Committee

The Chairman wasMr R Ware (ex Commissioner) to 14 November 1986The Commission member was:Dr A Kinnear - Chairman from 14 November 1986The TAFE nominee was:Mr R Homer - Assistant Director Personnel,Technical Education DivisionThe five community members were:Mr R GarlettMr FuhrmannMs K ShielsMr B PreenMrs L HassonMs K Pederick (copted member)

Western Australian Council on Tertiary Awards(WACTA)

Terms of reference

To develop and implement accreditation andregistration procedures for TA FE and advancededucation courses in Western Australia consistentwith established policies and practices of theCommission and the Australian Council on TertiaryAwards.

Membership structure

Chairman - selected by the CommissionTwo members - selected from the members ofthe CommissionTwo members - from advanced education onemember nominated by the WA College ofAdvanced Education and the other by the WAInstitute of TechnologyTwo members from TAFE nominated by theDirector General of EducationOne member representing the Department ofEmployment and TrainingFour members - from the general communityselected by the CommissionTwo members being the tiN State members ofthe Australian Council on Ten, iry Awards exofficio or their substitute representatives

The Chairman was. Mr D a member ofthe Commission.The members from the Commission were:Mr P CarterMr R CookThe members from advanced education were:Dr B Lawrence, Head of Academic Planning, WACollege of Advanced EducationDr I Sharpham, Associate Director (AcademicAffairs), WA Institute of TechnologyThe members from TAFE were:Mr I Hamsworth, Assistant Director of Studies.Technical Education DivisionMr D Russell, Director of programs andDevelopment, Technical Education Division.The member from Department of Employment andTraining was: Mr M Cross. Executive Director.The four community members were:Dr N DilworthMr W DuffMr C GdlamMrs L PughThe ex officio members were:Mr P ForrestDr W Pullman

Other CommitteesA number of other special purpose committees andworking parties functioned during 1986.Activities of these groups have been referred to inthe text of the Report.

Aboriginal Education CommitteeExternal Studies Review GroupSites Working PartyTriennial Planning Study Groups

Appendix D

Publications

The Commission's Annual Reports are widelydistributed to Government authorities,education agencies and public libraries. Copiesof these and other reports are retained in theCommission's library. Reports published in 1986are listed below:

External Studies 1985 (Two Parts), ThirdAnnual Report of the External Studies ReviewGroup, Western Australian Post SecondaryEducation Commission, 1986; andReview of Postgraduate Courses in Nursing,Western Australian Post Secondary EducationCommission, August 1986.

Other submissions and reports prepared by theCommission during the year are referred to inthe text of the Report.

4837

Appendix EWestern Australian

18 months to31 Dec 1986

12 months toJune 30 1985

Post Secondary Funds on hand 1 July 1 390 2 867

Education Commission1/7/85 31/12/86

Receipts:Consolidated Revenue FundRecoups:

1 444 000 815 000

Accreditation Panels 24 847 30 464Statement Salary Deductions Superannuation 24 101 14 699

of Receipts VAEGS AdministrationMiscellaneous (Note 2)

11

172750947 233 645

418

986721 68 870

and Payments1 679 035 886 737

Payments:Salaries normal time 857 731 512 214Salaries temporary assistance 49 442 907 173 25 845 538 059

Other Staffing Costs:Payroll tax 27 993 19 972Superannuation 117 079 76 078Workers Compensation 4 326 1 739Commission Travel 73 099 61 102Seminars 3 372 225 869 2 291 161 182

Communications:Telephone 33 452 11 600Postage 3 734 2 501Courier 8 779 5 105Miscellaneous Expenses 100 46 065 19 206

Services:Office Rental 140 786 77 648Equipment Rental 52 697 6 514Advertising 5 715 2 708Insurance 6 389 3 853Planning & Research 2 295 3 491Accreditation Panels 31 196 28 437CTEC 14 623ACTA Budget 53 622 307 323 122 651

Consumable Supplies:Stationery 15 637 7 221Consumables 6 214 2 624Library 8 160 4 126Printing 10 417 1 488Meeting Expenses & 10 083 7 878

Entertainment 50 511 23 337

Maintenance of Assests:Maintenance Contracts 9 713 9 713 3 762 3 762

Purchase of Plant & Equipment:New Equipment (Office) 1 461Furniture 28 717 4 456Motor Vehicle 15 116 45 294 12 694 17 150

1 591 948 885 347

Funds on Hand:30 June 1985 1 39031 December 1986 87 087

Notes to and forming part of the Financial Statements.

1. In accordance with the Acts Amendment (Financial Administration and Audit Act) At 1985, the financial year ofthe Commission shall end on 31 December each year.The financial statements have been prepared to cover the period 1 July 1985 to 31 December 1986.

2. MISCELLANEOUS RECOUPS

Advertising $ 396Committee Meetings 55CTEC Recoups 77 381CTEC Sundry Supplies 7 000Insurance 330Maintenance 49Minister 12 000Office Equipment 2 000Public Service Board 57 019Salaries Temporary 900Seminars 160Sundries 866Telephone 107Travel Commission 1 335Motor Vehicle 13 349

ale"..j/..Administrative OfficerDate February 26, 1987

38

$172 947

49

Report of the Auditor Generalfor Western Australia

Western Australian Post SecondaryEducation Commission

The accounts of the Western Australian PostSecondary Education Commission have beenaudited for the period July 1, 1985 to December31, 1986 and were found to be in order.In my opinion the Statement of Receipts andPayments is properly drawn up so as to presentfairly the financial transactions for the period.

N E SMITHACTING AUDITOR GENERAL

April 29, 1987

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