An "International Education and Research Task Force" for New South Wales. (November 12, 2011)

Barry O'Farrell assumed the office of Premier of New South Wales on March 28, 2011.

Deputy Premier, Nationals' Andrew Stoner, is responsible for the Ministries for Trade and Investment, while the Nationals Adrian Piccoli is responsible for Education.

Now approaching 8-months in government it was announced by Messrs Stoner and Piccoli that an "International Education and Research Industry Taskforce to build the State's knowledge sector globally" has been formed. It is to consist of 13 individuals together with "government representatives from the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services and the Department of Education and Communities".

The 13 named individuals are:

• Philip Clark AM (Chair), a member of the JP Morgan Advisory Council

• Sue Blundell, Executive Director of English Australia

• David Bycroft, Executive Chairman of the Australian Homestay Network

• Michael Carr, Deputy Executive Director, Association of Independent Schools NSW

• Mark Coggins, the CEO of Kaplan Asia Pacific

• Claire Field, CEO of the Australian Council of Private Education and Training

• Margaret Jack, China expert and Executive Director of Kinox Ltd

• Warren Jacobson, Managing Director of Career Education at Study Group Australia Pty Ltd

• Andrew Leary, CEO of the Redhill Education group

• Mark Lucas, Managing Director of iae GLOBAL Ltd

• Dipen Rughani, President of the Australia India Business Council NSW

• Professor Gerard Sutton AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong

• NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O'Kane

According to the media release: "The taskforce will work with the NSW Government to develop a 10 year International Education and Research Industry Action Plan for the sector, including two year and five year goals." While no specifics have been published by the Deputy Premier, he did state: "Education and research will be critically important to the future prosperity of NSW, including our successful international engagement with the global economy. Our world-class universities, research organisations and technology companies foster a culture of innovation here in NSW.  We need to build on these strengths and extend our reach internationally by keeping NSW at the cutting edge of innovation in the highly competitive global economy." and went on to emphasise  the following "focus areas":

• Education Exports -- increasing exports from the vocational education and training, university and secondary school sectors, including both public and private providers.

• Developing and enhancing international education, research and industry precincts -- building Sydney as an international education and research city and attracting international partners to invest and locate in NSW education and research precincts.

• Innovation in Education Delivery -- focusing on digital and online delivery of education across NSW and internationally.

• Attracting, enhancing and leveraging educational opportunities for NSW-based institutions internationally.

Mr Stoner concluded: "Industry taskforces have also been formed to develop Industry Action Plans for NSW’s Manufacturing, Professional Services, Digital Economy, and Tourism and Events sectors, for which education and research will be critical if we are to achieve our growth and competiveness targets. Together these Industry Action Plans will position our State's economy for strong growth, resilience, improved innovation and productivity, global competitiveness, and new investment. opportunities over the next decade and beyond."

Matters regarding available resources or dates for tabling the taskforces' recommendations await clarification.