The Queensland Minister for Education, Training and the Arts appointed members through an open expression of interest, which was advertised extensively throughout Queensland. Expressions of interest were considered by a panel comprising Indigenous representatives from the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments and an independent person with strategic leadership experience.
Members were selected based on the need to assemble a group of individuals who could deliver on the requirement to consult widely with Queensland’s Indigenous community and who could provide expert advice to the Ministers for Education.
Recommendations to the Minister were made based on the quality of each expression of interest, taking into account that the Committee would require a mix of perspectives, expertise and knowledge, represent Queensland’s diverse Indigenous population as well as diverse education settings and sectors. It was also critical that members had a strong connection to the community and the skills to consult with Indigenous people in order to provide high quality feedback at a Ministerial level.
It was also agreed that the Chair of the Torres Strait Islander Regional Education Council would have a place on the Committee.
In recognition of the governance arrangements in Cape York, the Chair of the yet to be formed Cape York Leaders Forum, will have membership on the QIECC.
In addition to the members, ex-officio observers from each of the following organisations are invited to attend Committee meetings:
- Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA)
- Australian Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
- Queensland Department of Communities
- Office of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
-
QIECC VISION
Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Queensland actively participate in education and training to provide a quality of life that they value.
-
QIECC VALUES
- Respect for Community participation and views
- Growing knowledge – shared understanding and commitment between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and education and training providers to achieve genuine outcomes.
- Solutions through an holistic approach and partnerships
-
QIECC TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee (QIECC) enables Governments to consult with the Indigenous (i.e. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities on education and training issues in Queensland, including pre-school, school, higher education and training.
The Committee will:
- Consult with Indigenous people to hear the range of views on education
- Provide expert advice to the Queensland and Commonwealth Ministers responsible for education on
- strategies to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders
- Indigenous Queenslanders’ concerns and views on the effectiveness of Queensland and Commonwealth Government education programs
- the appropriateness of policy and program options being considered to address identified needs
- consultation processes that governments and service providers use when consulting with Indigenous students, parents and communities on their policies and/or services.
- links between education and other portfolios in the delivery of services to Indigenous people
- specific matters referred to it by either or both Ministers
- Promote constructive dialogue and engagement between government and Indigenous people, communities and relevant organisations, including using its contacts and networks to assist consultation
- Promote public awareness of Indigenous education issues and strategies among Indigenous people and the wider community, including relevant professionals
- Report to the Ministers on the Committee’s activities and achievements.