AFTA UPDATE

From Dean Long, CEO

AFTA continues to deliver a loud voice to government on the need for urgent action on skills.

As some are aware, the current system is undergoing a once-in-a-generation reform which commenced under the previous government.

The most significant change is the creation of industry clusters to lead and drive the performance of the national Vocational Education and Training (VET) system to meet the evolving skills and training needs of industry and employers.

While these changes were meant to be implemented as of 01 Jan 2023, there is still significant ongoing discussion among the government and the key stakeholders who will ultimately operate them.

These include the current 67 Industry Reference Committees and six service organisations who are responsible for developing and reviewing training packages in accordance with industry needs.

While we wait for these new administrative arrangements to come into effect, AFTA continues to meet with key members of cabinet on the need for reforms across our sector.

Yesterday, AFTA’s delegation, which consists of listed and independent agent groups, met with the Federal Minister for Skills Brendon O’Connor on the need for travel to be included on the skills priority list.

If we achieve this outcome, additional funds can be allocated to the all-important Certificate III in Travel, which is essential for recovery of the entire sector.

This will be my last column of the year, with Nina contributing next week and the final column of the year from AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring.

I want to thank everyone who has provided feedback, support and guidance to AFTA over my first full year as CEO.

While this year has been a cause of celebration as most travel businesses have bounced back, it has also seen new challengers emerge.

Next year I am sure will be no different, but knowing as an industry our darkest days are behind us is something we should not forget.