Thursday, 7th May TAFE Directors Australia Convention 2026

Gold Sponsor: TechnologyOne

The 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap intended to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments to work together to address inequality. Education is a central to achieving its priorities. In this session, First Nations educational leaders will share progress, explore challenges, and discuss future opportunities for strengthening educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Facilitated by: Ellen Fanning

Panellists:

• Leanne Bell, Executive Director, Education and Training, TAFE Queensland
• Professor Bronwyn Fredericks FAHA FASSA QAS, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), The University of Queensland (UQ)
• Kathleen Nelly, Project Officer | Cultural Capability, Curtin University
• Christine Stokes, Director VET Workforce Programs, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

Pari Johnston, President and CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada

Canadian colleges and institutes play a vital role in the nation’s research and innovation system, widely recognised for their strength in applied research. In this session, Pari Johnston, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, will share insights on their impact on Canada’s economy and industry, and the structures that have enabled their success.

Panellists will join Plenary Speaker Pari Johnston for a lively exploration of how TAFE, including TAFE Centres of Excellence, can drive Australia’s innovation and applied research future.

Facilitated by: Ellen Fanning

Panellists:

• Pari Johnston, President & CEO, Colleges and Institutes Canada
• Conor Siryj, Federal Research and Policy Officer, Australian Education Union (AEU)
• Associate Professor Steven Hodge, Director, Griffith Institute for Educational Research
• Jessica Simpson, Global Head of Governance & Social Value, BHP

Including networking opportunity for TDA network members.

John King, Managing Director, NCVER 

In this presentation, John King, Managing Director of National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) will share the latest data insights into Australia’s apprenticeship and traineeship system. This session will highlight emerging trends and system challenges. Drawing on national data and evidence-based analysis, John will explore factors influencing commencements, completions and outcomes and the implications for strengthening ‘earn and learn’ models for both learners and employers. 

Panellists will join plenary speaker John King to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of ‘earn and learn’ pathways and evolving apprenticeship models.

Facilitated by: Ellen Fanning

Panellists:

• John King, Managing Director, NCVER 
• Paul Kahlert, CEO, All Purpose Transport
• Clea Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Tradeswomen Australia
• Trevor Gauld, Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia
• Ebony Poole, Federation TAFE Alumna

A discussion chaired by TDA CEO Jenny Dodd with:

• Andrew Williamson, Executive Lead, National TAFE Network
• David Turvey PSM, Executive Director, Interim ATEC
• Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, Commissioner, TEQSA
• Chloe Read, Managing Director, TAFE NSW & Chair, TDA