The moments that shaped Australian education
12 Nov 2023 5 min read
It’s easier to work out where you’re going if you know where you’ve been. That’s why we’ve partnered with The Squiz, to create the 'How Far We've Come' podcast series.
Earlier this year, we partnered with the Squiz to create a six-part series that explored Australian women’s journey to financial equality.
NGS Super has been helping education professionals with their super for over 35 years, so this time we are looking at education, why the system is how it is, and its role in preparing our country for the future.
Are you ready to take a walk through history and discover the big education moments that have shaped Australia?
The series covers the birth of compulsory and free education in Australia, the rise of vocational education, the battle between free university and HECS, NAPLAN, the Gonksi Review and how AI will shape the future of education.
Have a listen today in your favourite podcast player and you’ll come away more informed about the challenges and triumphs of Australia when it comes to education.
Episode 1
In 1872, Victoria became the first colony to provide, free, secular and compulsory education. In this episode, we’ll look at the Australian education system, how it’s changed and where it’s heading - from single-sex to co-ed, public vs. private, and the role of state and federal government.
Episode 2
Australia post WW2 — the nation was rebuilding and the need for skilled workers was skyrocketing. In this episode, we'll unravel the rise of TAFE and technical education. We'll chat about how it shaped a generation of workers, how our post-high school education system compares with other countries, and tackling today’s labour shortages.
Episode 3
In the '70s and '80s the battle between free university and HECS took centre stage. This episode dives deep into the shift from free university education under Whitlam to the introduction of HECS by Hawke. We'll break down the arguments, the impact, and why this debate is heating up again. Plus, accessing higher education, student debt, and the policy decisions shaping the careers of young Aussies.
Episode 4
The 2000s saw waves in the Aussie education scene, thanks to the introduction of NAPLAN. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of standardised testing. We'll chat about how NAPLAN emerged, what it aimed to achieve, and how it affected students, teachers, and schools. We'll explore the ongoing debate surrounding NAPLAN, what is says about the Australian education system, and how it might evolve.
Episode 5
In this episode, we'll unravel the Gonski Review and what it meant for education funding. We'll delve into the recommendations, the controversies, and how it has all came undone. Plus, we’ll look at Gonski's ongoing legacy, how it has shaped the policy decisions of successive governments, and where we stand now.
Episode 6
The 21st century was already seeing some tech-savvy changes in education, but then came the pandemic, and everything went digital. In this episode, we'll explore the dramatic shift to online learning during the pandemic. We'll discuss the challenges faced by students and educators, the solutions that emerged, and how technology — and AI — are changing the future of education.
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