The following matters have been referred to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for inquiry and report by 16 March 2011:
(a) the role and effectiveness of Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) in the operation of the national training system particularly as it relates to states and territories and rural and regional Australia;
(b) accountability mechanisms in relation to Commonwealth funding for the general operation and specific projects and programs of each ISC;
(c) corporate governance arrangements of ISCs;
(d) Commonwealth Government processes to prioritise funding allocations across all ISCs;
(e) ISC network arrangements and co-operative mechanisms implemented between relevant boards;
(f) the accrual of accumulated surpluses from public funding over the life of each ISC's operation and its use and purpose;
(g) the effectiveness of each ISC in implementing specific training initiatives, for example the Skills for Sustainability initiative under the National Green Skills Agreement; and
(h) any related matters.
For further information, contact: Committee Secretary
Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia