AMEP outcomes-based funding model would fail migrants

The Australian Education Union has rejected a proposed outcomes-based Australian Migrant English Program funding model, in a submission to the Department of Home Affairs.

“The proposed model would fail migrants, fail providers, fail education, and fail educators,” Australian Education Union Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.

“Our members reject any attempt to undermine quality in the AMEP.”

The AEU has serious concerns about the outcomes-based payment model as outlined in the discussion paper.

“The suggested model would fail on every metric that it proposes to address,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“It would undermine the purpose of the program, and make it less accessible, leaving students with lower quality outcomes and diminished participation.

“The purpose of AMEP is to provide education that increases the settlement of migrants and their participation in Australian society.

“In order to best meet that goal, investment needs to be provided upfront to protect provider viability, teacher employment and to ensure additional support can be provided to those students who may need it.

“The AEU would encourage the Federal Government to provide proper AMEP funding for TAFEs to plan appropriately for small class sizes with qualified teachers that are resourced for the entirety of the work they do.”


15 September 2021