INFORMATION
- Information for young carers Young Carers
- Australian Council of Social Service ACOSS
- Australian Education Union AEU
- Australian Primary Principals Association APPA
- Australian Secondary Principals Association ASPA
- National Excellence in Teaching Awards Foundation NEiTA
- Isolated Children’s Parents Association ICPA
- Student Accommodation Allowance Scheme SAAS
- Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth ARACY
- ACT Council of Parents’ & Citizens’ Associations Inc. ACT P&C
- Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of New South Wales NSW FED
- Queensland Council of Parents & Citizens Associations QCPCA
- South Australian Associations of State School Organisation SAASSO
- South Australian Associations of School Parents’ Clubs SAASPC
- Northern Territory Council of Government School Organisations NT COGSO
- Victorian Council of School Organisations Inc VICCSO
- State School Parents’ Clubs Victoria Parents Victoria
- West Australian Council of State School Organisations WACSSO
Australian Council of State School Organisations Ltd.
The one voice for every child in public education
We represent the interest of families and communities who support public education across the nation. We do this by bringing together the state and territory parent groups of more than 2.4 million children who attend government schools in Australia.
The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation established in Australia as a company limited by guarantee.
Our mission is to create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning across the lifespan.
ACER undertakes commissioned research and development and develops and distributes a wide range of products and services. Any surplus generated through our work is invested in further research and development.
ARACY exists because Australian children aren’t doing as well as they should be in a wealthy country, and because researchers, service providers and policy makers need to work together if we are going to change this.
At ARACY, we know this work is important.
Currently, Australia is in the top third of OECD countries on a mere quarter of the indicators of child and youth wellbeing. Our goal is to have Australia rank in the top third of countries on half of these same indicators by 2025.
To achieve this goal, ARACY acts as a catalyst, to –
identify the problems facing children and young people in Australia
determine which of these problems are the most urgent, so we can direct effort to where it will be most useful
collect evidence on the actions and policies that will best help to solve the priority problems
distribute the evidence to policy makers, service providers, parents and young people so they can improve practice
bring researchers, service providers and policy makers together to interact, exchange ideas, and influence one another
measure and report on progress.
ARACY can only do this work if we have a wide network of members. We invite individual and organisational members to contribute their skills and leadership to this nation-building task.
We also need a clear view of the priorities for action and a framework for measuring progress. We invite you to frame your work using The Nest Action Agenda, Australia’s first evidence-based framework for child and youth wellbeing.
ACARA is responsible for:
- national curriculum for Foundation – Year 12 in specified learning areas
- national assessment program aligned to the national curriculum that measures students’ progress
- national data collection and reporting program that supports
- analysis, evaluation, research and resource allocation; and
- accountability and reporting on schools and broader national achievement
Public demonstration site
Significant planning, development, research and trialling have been going on behind the scenes to make sure we are all ready to move NAPLAN online from 2017 over a two–three year period. Not all states will move online at the same time; however, and state and territory education authorities will make decisions about the timing to move NAPLAN online for their state or territory.
In August 2016, a trial of the new national online assessment platform was carried out in schools across seven states and territories. Over the same period, ACARA also conducted further trials and studies in schools to provide information required to develop the NAPLAN Online 2017 test that will be hosted on the new platform.
Students, teachers and parents now have the opportunity to take demonstration tests using the national online assessment platform. The demonstration tests are mini-tests that contain example questions to allow everyone to become familiar with the various types of technology-enhanced features NAPLAN Online uses. For example, new elements of the online tests include interactive navigation and features such as drag and drop. The main purpose of the demonstration tests is to familiarise students, teachers and parents with NAPLAN Online item types and functionalities.
The Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia is a tripartite not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, formed through the collaboration of the Australian Government, primary industries organisations and the education sector.
Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia’s vision is to be the preferred provider on credible, relevant and factual information on all matters relating to agriculture, fisheries and forestry for Australia’s teachers, students and the community.
The Foundation’s objectives are to:
- provide national leadership and coordination of initiatives to encourage primary industries education in schools through a partnership between industry, government and educators;
- commission, coordinate, facilitate and manage national projects to encourage primary industries education in schools;
- provide a source of credible, objective and educational resources for schools to maintain and improve community confidence in Australia’s primary industries; and
- communicate primary industries research and development outcomes in a format accessible for schools and encourage interest from schools in primary industries related careers.
ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program that provides accessible cyber safety education to parents, carers and teachers through schools and organisations across Australia.
ThinkUKnow uses a network of trained law enforcement members and accredited volunteers from our program partner organisations to deliver the cyber safety education presentations nationwide.
Originally developed in the United Kingdom by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, ThinkUKnow Australia was established by the AFP in 2009.
ThinkUKnow is a partnership between Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and is delivered in collaboration with the New South Wales Police Force, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police Service, South Australia Police, Tasmania Police, Western Australia Police and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia
Positive Partnerships is a national project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training through the Helping Children with Autism package. We are delivered by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), with a goal to improve the educational outcomes of school-aged students on the autism spectrum.
We work with schools, communities and families across Australia to deliver evidence-based content through workshops, webinars and online learning through our website.
We aim to foster productive relationships in support of school aged students on the spectrum, with a focus on working respectfully and appropriately with people from many diverse backgrounds.
RESOURCES
- Click to view the… Education Act 2016
- The function and powers of the school association are contained in Division 3, Sections 109 – 124.
- Click to view the… Secretary’s Instructions No. 7 for School Associations
- Instructions from the Secretary, Department of Education, for the operation of School Associations in government schools and colleges of Tasmania
- All Government schools in Tasmania are required to have a School Association and a representative committee. This page includes resources School Association Committees in the management of School Associations.
- Click to head to the DECYP website… School Association Committees
- Find your Constitution here: Register of School Association Constitutions
PARENTS
Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations Inc. is the peak body representing all Tasmanian state school communities.
We are your voice on departmental committees and working groups as well as in the broader community, on the issues affecting all our children.
TASSO makes regular comment on education and related issues through media, and we provide representation for Tasmanian state school families both statewide and nationally.
Through our Facebook page, website and online webinars we aim to keep you informed and involved.
TASSO provides guidance and resource material for School Association Committees.
We are also able to provide a representative either in person or online to assist with the running of School Association Committee meetings. Contact the office for further information.
FRIENDS
Formally known as the Tasmanian School Canteen Association.
School Food Matters (SFM) is a not for profit, non-government organisation and is jointly funded by the Tasmanian Department of Education and the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services. The SFM supports the broader school community by ensuring a variety of healthy foods and drinks are served at the canteen.
This support is given through:
• the provision of resources and advice on food selection and menu planning
• assistance with achieving good canteen management and operations
• assisting with the development of policies around nutrition
• providing food safety information
• encouraging the healthy eating message to the whole school through canteen, classroom and school activities
• the delivery of seminars, newsletters, food expos and workshops for canteen managers, teachers and the school community
The Tasmanian Council of Social Service is the peak body for the community services sector in Tasmania. TasCOSS was established in 1961. Our members are individuals and organisations active in the provision of community services in Tasmania. We represent the interests of low-income, vulnerable and disadvantaged Tasmanians, and our members, to government, regulators, the private sector, the public and the media.
- TasCOSS researches and develops social policy and undertakes work to strengthen the Tasmanian community services sector.
- TasCOSS receives funding from the State Government but acts independently of government and political parties.
- TasCOSS is part of a national network of councils of social service in all states and territories and the national body, the Australian Council of Social Service.
In Tasmania we are widely known as ACD. We are a state-wide non profit disability specialist family organisation. Established in 1997, ACD began as a support group for parents with children with disability. Since then, ACD has grown in stature and specialised in the provision of Professional Advocacy, Case Coordination, Information, Training and Consultancy and Peer Support Networks.
Although much of our focus is on assisting families with children and young people with disability aged 0-25yrs, we do all that we can to support family carers regardless of the age of the person/s that they care for.
The Our Community group provides advice, connections, training and easy-to-use tech tools for people and organisations working to build stronger communities.
Our partners in that work are not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises; government, philanthropic and corporate grantmakers; donors and volunteers; enlightened businesses; and other community builders.
Early Childhood Australia’s Advocacy
Our vision 2What Early Childhood Australia Stands for:
As the national peak body for early childhood, ECA is a regular, and trusted, contributor to the public policy debate on all matters affecting young children (birth to eight years) and their families. This includes:
Early childhood education and care (preschool, long day care, family day care, occasional care, mobile services and specialist programs)
Early years of schooling
Outside school hours care
Child and family centres, programs and support services
Inclusion support
Social and emotional wellbeing
Maternal & child health services
Parent education (birth to eight)
Other policy areas affecting children and their families
We specifically acknowledge the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families, and the past and current injustices and realities for them around Australia.
KidsMatter is an Australian mental health and well-being initiative set in primary schools and early childhood education and care services (like preschools, kindergartens and day care centres).It’s a framework that helps these places take care of children’s mental health needs by:
- creating positive school and early childhood communities
- teaching children skills for good social and emotional development
- working together with families
- recognising and getting help for children with mental health problems.
KidsMatter was developed by mental health professionals and education and childcare staff in response to the high rates of school-age children with mental health difficulties and the problems they face getting help. It is is a partnership between education and health sectors and is funded by the Australian Government and beyondblue.
The mental health of students affects all aspects of the school community – from student engagement and academic achievement, to social adjustment and staff morale. Schools that promote a positive environment perform better, attract and retain more students and build a strong reputation in the community. The mental health of all students is a key foundation for school success.
Safe Schools Coalition Australia is a national network of organisations working with schools to create safer and more inclusive environments for same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families.
The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) is the national convenor of Safe Schools Coalition Australia and has partnered with experienced organisations across the country to provide direct support for schools. Visit Contact Us for information on partner organisations.
Safe Schools Coalition Australia has assisted hundreds of schools across the country in their efforts to actively promote safety and inclusion for the benefit of the whole school community. This includes working in partnership with government and independent schools, schools in diverse geographic locations, and faith-based schools.
TASSO regularly engage with Volunteer Tas.
Currently we sit on the Youth Volunteer Army Steering Committee.
The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of Australia had its beginning in the NSW outback town of Bourke, in April 1971. Families were struggling with drought and the consequences of such an event, and most importantly, the effects of the drought on the education of their children.
The late Mrs Pat Edgley, MBE, called a meeting to save the Bourke Hostel, which serviced families in the outlying district, from closure. Out of this has grown an amazing organisation, with branches of ICPA springing up all over Australia. ICPA Tasmania Inc represents those families living within Tasmania.

PARLIAMENTARY - TASMANIA
- Minister for Education, Children and Youth
- The Honourable Roger Jaensch MP
- Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years
Josh Willie MLC
PARLIAMENTARY - FEDERAL
- Minister for Education
Jason Clare MP - Shadow Minister for Education & Training
Hon. Alan Tudge MP
Disclaimer: The links offered as part of the Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (Inc) website are provided for the interest of Internet users. The content found by using these links is not created, controlled or approved by the Web Manager or Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations (Inc), and no responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing or using such content. To advise of any inappropriate material found using this site please contact TASSO via info@tasso.org.au.