- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews MP met with Indian Government ministerial counterparts in New Delhi to reaffirm Australia as a key strategic partner in higher education, research, and skills and training.
Minister Andrews met with India’s Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, highlighting the Turnbull Government’s commitment to high quality vocational education and training, and to pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Australia and India have an enviable partnership, with 60,000 Indian higher education students choosing to study in Australia last year,” Minister Andrews said.
“And Australia is proud of the qualifications attained by the alumni who apply the skills they have developed to boost India’s economic growth.
“But we recognise there’s more our countries can learn from one another and the skills and expertise of Australian institutions can help India achieve her workforce development needs,” Minister Andrew said.
“This includes boosting India’s capacity to train its own population onshore so it can continue to drive economic growth, as well as promoting more collaborative research.”
Minister Andrews also met with India’s Minister of State for Higher Education,
Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, to discuss enhancing opportunities for greater collaboration in higher education.
As part of Australian Business Week in India, Minister Andrews delivered a speech on the importance of women in education leadership.
She joined a panel hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, featuring senior Indian female education leaders including Professor Sunaina Singh, Vice Chancellor of Sunaina University in the state of Bihar, and Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, Dr Michele Bruniges AM.
“I also applaud the work of the Australia India Education Council which has forged greater cooperation between the two countries and will provide long-lasting benefits to both countries.”