Australian
Communications
Advocacy Group
Who does this affect?
The brunt of this change will be felt by those who rely on communications professionals – fundraising for charities, disease awareness groups, mental health education, councils, critical health services, infrastructure projects – the list goes on.
Why is this an issue?
If we want communications to be accessible and effective for all Australians, we want a diverse and informed workforce, from a range of socio-economic, political, geographic and demographic backgrounds. This policy strikes at the heart of this endeavour.
How can you help?
ACAG is mounting a campaign to advocate against these changes, and your input is critical.
Why is it important to change this decision?
The Federal Government’s proposed ‘job-ready’ package is ill-conceived and the unintended consequences of this package will damage the welfare of our society.
In the era of fake news, eroding trust in significant institutions and the fragmentation of the media, robust and trusted communications are more important than ever.
Communications helps to keep people safe, increase their productivity and plays a key role in transforming organisational capability to overcome new challenges.
Equal access to training in advertising, marketing, content and communications is essential to fair and diverse Australia
.
Who does ACAG represent?
ACAG represents the interests of a profession which employs 330,000 individuals across Australia.
In addition, we're also representing the entire communications industry in Australia which is adversely affected by these changes.
Industry Projected To Have Strong Future Growth
The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has improved the Future Growth prospects of one category of communications professionals - Public Relations (PR) professionals - from stable to strong.
Job Ready Graduates
In the last year communication professionals alone added 2,000 practitioners to their ranks. Our graduates are not only job ready – the Federal Government has recognised they’re in demand.
Skyrocketing Fees
The proposed changes will see the fees for communications graduates skyrocket by 113% with a typical graduate paying nearly $45,000 for a three year degree
Promotes Inequality
These changes are discriminatory and will further entrench inequality and reduce access to tertiary education. It will also reduce the diversity of the profession over the longer term.
Our industries are ready for this fight. As soon as this short-sighted announcement was made, the PRIA knew that we needed to act, and we were over-whelmed with offers of support from commercial organisations and industry groups to get ACAG off the ground"
We need STEAM, not STEM alone. Communications and humanities-trained professionals bring much need critical thinking and creativity to the workplace."
Press Coverage
& Related Media Releases
Public participation and engagement are driven by skilled professionals and effective communication is at the core of this. The government’s fee increase decision risks delays to the very infrastructure projects government is using as their foundation for post-COVID recovery
ACAG Members
& PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
Join the ACAG! Email us at info@acag.net.au
Our research shows that the vast majority of Australians recognise that these changes are discriminatory, penalise students who aren’t suited to STEM subjects and undervalue the skills acquired through an arts education"
