The inquiry into rural skills training and research was referred to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 17 March 2005 by the then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Warren Truss MP. A copy of the terms of reference is at page xi.

The committee’s inquiry was advertised in metropolitan and regional media in April 2005, inviting members of the public to make written submissions for the committee’s consideration. Letters inviting submissions were also sent to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers, relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory government departments and peak bodies and individuals. Information concerning the inquiry was also made available on the committee’s website.¹

During the inquiry, the committee received 117 submissions, from a range of Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, educational bodies, private sector organisations and individuals. A list of submissions received by the committee is at Appendix B. A list of other documents of relevance to the inquiry which were formally received by the Committee as exhibits can be found at Appendix C.

The committee held 22 public hearings for the inquiry. These provided the committee with opportunities to hear at first hand the views of the people affected by current and future issues concerning rural skills training and research. A list of the organisations and individuals who gave evidence to the committee is at Appendix D. The transcripts of evidence recorded from the public hearings, along with the submissions, are available on the committee’s website.

The committee also conducted inspections of Marcus Oldham College, Farrer Memorial Agricultural College and the University of New England.