Brisbane 11 September 2013. The state’s first dual-sector university was formed today when the Newman Government signed an agreement to merge Central Queensland University (CQU) with the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQ TAFE).

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said he was thrilled to deliver the project which had spanned three years of negotiation.

“This agreement is the final stage of approval to merge these two institutions,” said Mr Langbroek.

“The merger provides the Central Queensland community with the certainty that they will have a higher education provider delivering both TAFE and university programs to meet the changing skills needs of their region”.

Mr Langbroek said it is anticipated that CQU would commence operating as a dual sector university from 1 July 2014.

“A dual sector university will provide smoother pathways between vocational training and higher education programs giving students more flexibility, more credit for prior learning, and faster course completion times,” he said.

As part of the merger agreement, responsibility for the TAFE’s six campuses at Mackay city, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Biloela, Yeppoon and Emerald and its three other centres of operation at Clermont, Barcaldine and the Trade Training Centre at Ooralea in Mackay will transfer to CQU.

CQ TAFE staff will transfer to the University with their current employment terms and conditions.

The Minister said school leavers and other prospective students considering study with the TAFE or University should continue to enrol through the normal processes.

Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education Saxon Rice said the Newman Government was dedicated to the economic and social prosperity of Queensland.

“Great Skills. Real Opportunities. is a five year plan to revitalise Queensland’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector,” she said. 

“The merger represents another important milestone in the delivery of reforms to the state’s further education sector to provide opportunities for all Queenslanders to develop skills that deliver real job outcomes.”