The Queensland government has shown its support for a proposed merger between two of the state’s major education institutions – providing school leavers with access to more career pathways.
State premier Campbell Newman said cabinet backed the planned merger of Central Queensland University (CQU) and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQIT), which would help address the state’s skills shortage.
“By joining the brands together, it is predicted that a dual-sector institution will attract a greater number of students from both the international and domestic student markets,” Mr Newman explained.
The amalgamation of the two education institutions will give young people more training opportunities to launch themselves into jobs in Queensland.
Mr Newman said the government’s decision to support the proposed merger took into account the Ernst & Young Due Diligence report which outlined a number of concerns surrounding the union, including financial and governance issues.
Cabinet’s support is conditional that CQU and CQIT address the raised concerns.
State minister for education, training and employment John-Paul Langbroek said the dual sector proposal would be welcomed by Queensland communities.
He commented: “The Newman government recognises that central Queenslanders have been fighting for this merger for more than two years and we are pleased to support them as they seek to enhance the training opportunities in the region.”
