SkillsIQ NSW ITAB recently attended the 2024 Skills Conference hosted by the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT.

The speakers were outstanding and provided an overview of the policy framework of the federal and state governments. The Minister was positive about the Federal Budget and highlighted that funds had been allocated for fee-free programs until the end of 2025 to support the Apprenticeship and Traineeship pathway. Dr Michele Bruniges continued that discussion in her presentation and without giving away too much about the final report of the NSW VET Review there was certainly a theme connected with the rebuild of TAFE NSW and to renew social obligations of campuses and their local communities. Training Services NSW is working on a state Skills Priority List and the good news is that there is a significant amount of cross-referencing and harmonisation between state and federal jurisdictions.

The skills theme was also the focus of the presentation of Barney Glover, Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia who presented an update on the Skills Priority List. All sectors are struggling to recruit and retain appropriate staff, and this has been a focus for research conducted by JSA. Read more here. 

Another takeout from this event is the importance for small employers to consider a Group Training Organisation to partner with rather than direct employment. A Group Training Organisation employs the apprentice or trainee and then places them with host employers and the best part is that they take on the employer's responsibilities, making this an easier process for a small business owner. It can be difficult to navigate all the different aspects of this process, but this is a start. Read more here.

For help navigating VET needs in NSW contact Jackie Zelinsky - nswitab@skillsiq.com.au

Outdoors NSW & ACT have been advocating for the ANZSCO code changes to better reflect the size of the industry. We were very pleased when the recommendations come out in June hearing our calls and combining all Outdoor Leader / Guides in one code. Exhibition of these changes is still open should you wish to comment on this change via the ANZSCO Code review website.

Outdoors NSW & ACT and its members were able to participate in the Choose Tourism Schools days hosted by Destination NSW and funded by Austrade. They were held across the state in 10 separate events. We were able to showcase the careers that could be had in the Outdoors and how to maximise the opportunities within our industry. We shared some of our skills and knowledge and explained the impact the industry makes across communities. 

As we see our capacity continue to struggle, Outdoors NSW & ACT is constantly looking at ways to introduce our industry to more audiences to look at short and long term outcomes in getting more staff in the outdoors. Working with the Department of Education NSW & Scouts Australia to get the Certificate III recognised in schools is a great pathway for students. We would like to thank the 12 organisations that supported us in this application and we ae hopeful for a favourable outcome. 

We attended the Destination Sydney Surrounds South Symposium and heard from Destination NSW, ATDW and many others about the opportunities in the industry. It was great to hear about the importance of experiences and the increase in demand for nature-based offerings. We were joined by some of our members at this event: Optimum Experiences, Valley Outdoors & Experience in Nature.

Lori presented at a few events in June and connected with more people to advocate for outdoor experiences and grow the knowledge of the industry. These included the Parks & Leisure Australia NSW / ACT Conference where she shared what the Nature Play Committee were up to and it is a great model for sustainable nature play advocacy. She also attended the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit where she discussed the best practice in destination management and the importance of collaboration. She also shared the spotlight with Professor Tonia Gray at an ACHPER Professional Development Session on Outdoor Education, engaging more teachers in the Stage 5 Curriculum and opportunities in the Outdoors. And finally, she presented at the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention on the importance of the health agenda when it comes to the outdoor industry, sharing the great work of one of our members, Collective Leisure, and the collaboration that created Western Sydney Moving. 

The Back Country Committee of ONSWACT released the Snow Activities Discussion Paper with the aim of moving towards a Snow Good Practice Guide that could be considered as part of the AAAS Framework. The Paper is available now for organisations leading dependent led groups in the snow country to see if their procedures are in line with the recommendations or if changes need to be made. On the 16 October, there will be an accessible summit that will discuss the feedback from the industry after the 2024 Snow Season. 

Access the paper and portal for feedback here.

Not-for-profit requirements have changed when it comes to income tax. Those that are companies limited by guarantee or incorporated entities now need to ensure they complete the required forms for the ATO to continue self-assessment at year end June 2024.

The changes require non-charitable NFPs with an active Australian business number (ABN) to lodge an annual NFP self-review return to self-assess their eligibility for income tax exemption. Members can watch the Connect & Share recording on the topic for more information. 

In addition changes to Contracting and the increase of the minimum wage also commence 1 July 2024.