 | ||
Formed 23 December 2014 (2014-12-23) Preceding Department Department of Education Jurisdiction Commonwealth of Australia Ministers responsible Simon Birmingham,Minister for Education and TrainingScott Ryan,Minister for Vocational Education and SkillsRichard Colbeck,Minister for Tourism and International Education Department executive Michele Bruniges, Secretary (since 4 April 2016) | ||
The Australian Department of Education and Training is a department of the Government of Australia charged with the responsibility for national policies and programs that help Australians access quality and affordable early childhood education, school education, higher education, vocational education and training, international education and academic research.
Contents
The head of the department is the Secretary of the Department of Education and Training, currently Michele Bruniges, who reports to the Minister for Education and Training, currently Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, and the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, currently Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan. In addition, Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck assists the portfolio in his capacity as the Minister for Tourism and International Education.
History
The department was formed by way of an Administrative Arrangements Order issued on 23 December 2014. It incorporated the functions of the previous Department of Education, except for child care which was transferred to the Department of Social Services. Vocational training was transferred from the Department of Industry to the new Department of Education and Training.
The Department of Education and Training's predecessor agencies have been:
Operational activities
The functions of the department are broadly classified into the following matters: