Joint Media Release

The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Education
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Minister for Social Inclusion

Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Senator for Queensland
Minister for Human Services

15 January 2009

Future agreed for Gold Coast Australian Technical College

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced that the Australian Technical College (ATC) - Gold Coast will remain an independent non-government school continuing to deliver services from its Reedy Creek campus in 2009.

The College will continue to operate from its leased premises until the completion of its purpose built campus.  The new campus will be located at Scottsdale Drive Robina and will be completed in 2009.

It will continue its focus on offering courses in automotive, building & construction, electro-technology, commercial cookery and metals & engineering.  Students completing these courses will also be awarded the Queensland Certificate of Education.

Joe Ludwig, Senator for Queensland, welcomed the announcement and emphasised the value of integrating these facilities into the broader education and training effort on the Gold Coast.

Senator Ludwig said industry will continue to play an integral part in leadership and the development of training programs to give students in the region the best education and training options available.

The Australian Government has worked closely with the Board of the Australian Technical College, local stakeholders and the Queensland government to develop this education model.

This has resulted in a locally designed outcome for the Gold Coast region which will ensure that the best education and trade training options are available for their students.

The Government has consulted local stakeholders, all education and training sectors and state and territory governments regarding future arrangements for each of the 24 ATCs.

Announcements will be made regarding individual colleges as negotiations are finalised in the coming months.

As well as better integrating ATCs into existing education and training systems, the Australian Government is delivering $2.5 billion for Trade Training Centres in Schools that will benefit all Australian secondary schools.

Media Contacts

Deputy Prime Minister’s Press Office — 02 6277 7758
DEEWR Media — media@deewr.gov.au  
Non-media queries — 1300 363 079
Minister Ludwig's Office (Sarah Cosson) — 0423 823 843.