Do members of the QIECC represent a specific Indigenous community?
No. Given the diversity of Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland, it would require an exceptionally large membership to represent each and every community on the Committee. Members were appointed based on their relevant experience and expertise in the area of education (preschooling and schooling), training and/or higher education as well as their cultural strength and capacity to consult more widely with Indigenous Queenslanders.
How are members selected?
Members have been appointed by the Minister for Education, Training and the Arts through an open expression of interest, advertised extensively throughout Queensland.
How does the QIECC identify issues for discussion?
The QIECC identifies issues for discussion through a number of forums. The community, education sectors and systems, as well as the State and Commonwealth Ministers responsible for education provide issues for the Committee's consideration and/or action through the QIECC Secretariat. Individual members might also put forward matters to be considered, based on feedback from their own communities. Issues raised with the Secretariat are discussed with the Chair for consideration as Agenda items. Topics are considered in the context of the QIECC Strategic and Operational Plan.
Where issues are approved for inclusion on the agenda, the QIECC Secretariat will coordinate the development of a Discussion paper and/or relevant reports, articles or other documents to be tabled at the meeting. This Discussion paper will generally provide the Committee members with the background and current situation of the issue, impact and other related issues, and where necessary recommendation to the QIECC.
Where issues are not approved for inclusion on the agenda, the QIECC Secretariat will liaise with the Chair and generate official responses, where appropriate. In some instances, the Secretariat will draft an information paper for members.
Does the QIECC sit within the Department of Education, Training and the Arts?
No. The Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee is an independent body, which reports directly to the State Minister for Education, Training and the Arts as well as the Commonwealth Minister for Education, Science and Training. The Department of Education, Training and the Arts does however provide secretariat support to the QIECC on behalf of the State.
DETA support the QIECC through the following:
- Provision of a full time Principal Executive Officer
- Provision of office space, supplies and equipment
- Access to Public and Media Relations support services
- Access to departmental legal and corporate advice services
- Access to departmental cars
- Access to purchasing and finance support services
- Accounting, budgeting and auditing services