The National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) has written to the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP, in response to a review of the Australian University Accord.
NCWQ Recommendations in Summary:
- Fee Free higher education and preparatory courses going forward particularly for older women who are increasingly at risk and an under-utilised resource and women reentering the workforce.
- Removal or reduction of the burden of debt of students of higher education by the removal of indexation to halt the spiraling debt of students and graduates.
- Paid placements and adoption of alternative approaches for students to undertake compulsory work experience to enable them to engage fully in their studies, improve retention and course completion.
- Career education from Prep to year 12 to challenge stereotypes and encourage women into non traditional fields in particular STEM and trades.