With the announcement of his new ministerial line up, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed ministers to the key portfolios covering education, skills and training.

Jason Clare has been appointed Minister for Education while Brendan O’Connor will be the Minister for Skills and Training. His skills and training portfolio will be part of the new Department of Employment and Workplace Relations under Minister Tony Burke. Thus, these new arrangements have effectively split Departmental responsibility for education and skills.

The two new Departments, Education and Employment and Workplace Relations, will replace the current Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The Employment and Workplace Relations Department will look after employment policy, labour market programs, skills and vocational education policy regulation and programs, vocational education and training in schools, apprenticeships, training and skills assessment, and foundation skills for adults.

The new Department of Education will be responsible for school education, youth affairs and transitions, higher education, international education, research grants, and early childhood education. Thus, for many in VET, we will have to keep our eyes open to the goings on in two federal departments now, not just one. These departmental changes will take effect from 1 July this year.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced his shadow ministry as well. Alan Tudge returns as Shadow Education Minister while Sussan Ley has been named Shadow Minister for Industry, Skills and Training.