20 November 2009

The 2009 HASS on the Hill event was an exciting 2 days in the nation's capital. Delegates gave us the thumbs up with the smooth running of the event and thanked "CHASS for a very stimulating and productive experience", although some were disappointed their meetings with MPs and Senators were cancelled because of pressures of Parliamentary business. Overall we had great feedback and some good ideas for future development and growth of HASS on the Hill.

Over the coming weeks we will continue to publish highlights from the event.

The challenge of creating capable students

Researchers, politicians and policy makers engaged in an energetic discussion on the issue of social inclusion in education and meeting the targets set for 2020, which will lead to a significant brief on relevant research to Government policy-makers. Next steps in creating an evidence based policy for social inclusion in education.

Outcomes of the Social inclusion in education roundtable.

The challenge of multilingualism

Researchers and politicians/policy makers engaged in a lively and mutually beneficial debate on English language policy and support for Indigenous students and for child and adult immigrants.

Since the roundtable there have been two follow up discussions about refugee and immigrant education and the Hon. Laurie Ferguson, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services has requested additional input to inform policy development processes from researchers in the learning of English as a second language. A teleconference has also been arranged for officers of the Department of Immigration with participating researchers to more closely link projects of research in the adult immigration area to policy and to build a new system of research for the adult immigrant English field.

Outcomes of the Languages and cultural awareness roundtable.

CHASS National Press Club Address

The Minister announced it is crucial to revise and evolve funding models to achieve sustainable funding to companies and increase support for individual artists. "Over recent years Australia Council funding for individual artists has fallen relative to the significant institutions", he said. "As a starting point the pivotal role of artists must be at the centre of the model."

A National cultural policy to 2020
The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, address to the National Press Club 2009 HASS on the Hill delegates.

A national dialogue

In his speech to the HASS on the Hill National Press Club address the Hon Peter Garrett AM MP identified 3 key themes for consideration in his National Cultural Policy. The Arts Minister launched a new web forum to open dialogue on a national cultural policy. Discussions are raging …

HASS on the Hill - in the news

• A pair of crucial cultural priorities
  The Australian.   Christopher Pearson
• Taking a long term view …
  CHASS website.   Professor Ross Homel
• Arts degree qualify …
  CHASS website.   Helen O'Neil
• Culture's challenge
  The Australian.   Ashleigh Wilson
• Breakfast with Fran Kelly
  Guests Professor Ross Homel and Professor Trevor Gale. Co-Chairs HASS on the Hill Social inclusion in eduction roundtable.
• Meeting raises hopes
  The Australian.   Bernard Lane
• HASS on the Hill - Day 1
  Terry Flew.   ANZCA President

 

Also see: HASS on the Hill