Aboriginal Music Studies

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14 May 2015).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers): I am advised the following—

The state government previously offered Skills for All subsidy to vocational education providers to help cover the costs of certain vocational courses, including the Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma of Music.

The University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium received this subsidy for their vocational music courses, and for an interim period, the government also provided additional funding to assist the university in delivering these courses.

In mid-2014, the University of Adelaide made a business decision not to offer vocational music courses in 2015.

With regard to the three Aboriginal music courses listed on the University of Adelaide's website, I have been advised that these qualifications are university accredited courses and are not registered with the vocational education regulator, ASQA. These courses are therefore not eligible for vocational education funding, and therefore have not previously been funded under Skills for All.