National Fire Industry Association

Submission received: 10 February 2023

Q1: Are there other design considerations that could further strengthen Jobs and Skills Australia's ability to provide advice to government?

Response:

The NFIA supports the proposal for the ongoing structure for Jobs and Skills Australia to continue to operate as a statutory body with independent research, analysis and advice. The NFIA is supportive of the use of staff and support from the department where already in use, however, proposes that where possible, the employment of independent staff would be beneficial.

The NFIA supports the proposal of the Commissioner model structure and stresses the importance of the Commissioner’s primary function to be stakeholder engagement and liaising with the tripartite advisory body.

The NFIA is extremely supportive of the proposal of a tripartite advisory body and agrees that this is fundamental to effective policy and implementation for the Australian Government. The NFIA submits that representatives from government, unions, data and labour market analysis, skills and training and priority cohort improvement are necessary and there should be one representative from each skillset included.

However, the NFIA submits that the key representation involved must be industry representatives, as they are experiencing the barriers firsthand. Industry engagement must be at the core of this tripartite body and the NFIA suggests that there needs to be a representative from each industry invited, with a particular focus on industries that are experiencing skill shortages. The NFIA submits that the best industry representatives for the tripartite body are peak bodies, who are the key voice for their respective industries. The NFIA welcomes the opportunity to be included as the peak body for the Fire Protection Industry.

The discussion paper proposes “members would be expected to consult widely with their networks in the development of advice to Jobs and Skills Australia, and subcommittees could be convened on key elements of Jobs and Skills Australia’s work.” The NFIA submits to this point, that the assurance of Associations from all industries being invited will ensure that this proposition is met. Associations are the voice for their industry and are already consulting widely with their networks to identify key issues in their industry that need addressing and what the key priorities are.

Q2: What principles could be used to guide Jobs and Skills Australia's priorities, and the development of its workplan?

Response:

The NFIA supports the key priorities of Jobs and Skills Australia and the notion that decisions will be made aimed at balancing Jobs and Skills Australia’s focus on urgent needs of industries, cohorts, and regions in distress with longer-term future focused research.


The NFIA submits that through consultation with Associations, who already have a lot of industry and employee data, as well as identified short term and long term priorities, will assist in shaping realistic and balanced focuses for Jobs and Skills Australia.

Q3: How could Jobs and Skills Australia seek broader input into the development and refinement of its workplan?

Response:

The NFIA maintains that the development of Jobs and Skills Australia’s workplan must be done in conjunction with industry representatives to ensure that it is conducive to what is actually occurring on the frontline in the market. Associations are the peak body representation for industry and therefore, must have play a large part in industry-specific studies.
Whilst the NFIA supports the proposition of publishing terms of reference for public comment and allowing everyone the opportunity to provide feedback, the NFIA submits that often submissions of this nature come directly from Associations speaking on behalf of their Members, which is why it is imperative to engage with peak bodies in the first instance.

Q4: How could Jobs and Skills Australia engage tripartite partners, experts, and other interested parties in its major studies? Are the different needs of industry and learners effectively considered in designing qualifications in the current system? What works well and why? Are there issues or challenges with the way qualifications are currently designed? What are they and what could be done to address these?

Response:

The NFIA submits reference to previous comments on the importance of industry engagement. This can most successfully be achieved through engagement with key industry Associations who are able to represent the breadth of industry views through their work in close partnership with those that are directly affected. The NFIA submits that Associations will act on behalf of the Industry and support Jobs and Skills Australia in developing appropriate and attainable priorities. This will best position Jobs and Skills Australia to hear from industry directly, as it is often difficult to achieve engagement otherwise.

Q5: What new information should Jobs and Skills Australia be collecting through its engagement to build a stronger evidence base?

Response:

The NFIA refers to previous questions and submits that engaging directly with industry and industry Associations will position Jobs and Skills Australia to gather an accurate evidence base on what the actual issues being faced are and therefore, what the key priorities are.

Q6: How can Jobs and Skills Australia expand its engagement with a broader range of skills and industry stakeholders in its work?

Response:

Engagement is most successful when undertaken by trusted bodies and trusted people. The NFIA submits that peak bodies are best positioned to engage with and represent the interests of their industry and its stakeholders.

Q7: What types of outreach could Jobs and Skills Australia use to increase visibility and use of its products and advice?

Response:

The NFIA does not wish to submit on this matter.

Q8: How could Jobs and Skills Australia present its data and advice to aid stakeholders in informing their needs? What formats could better inform your work?

Response:

The NFIA does not wish to submit on this matter.

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Response:

No response provided.