The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) is reviewing Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) to ensure the structure and membership of each IRC provides the best possible industry coverage and expertise to support training package development for each industry sector. For further information about the review process see https://www.ais-c.online/content/irc-review
Under current arrangements the Rural and Related Industry Reference Committee has oversight of the Animal Care and Management (ACM) and the Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management (AHC) training packages.
Animal care and management industries make contributions to both rural and urban economies and have expected employment growth in the coming years driven by growth in veterinary and hunting sectors. The industries include: veterinary services, animal breeding services, pet and companion animal services, animal control and regulation, animal technology, captive wildlife operations, and hunting and trapping.
The agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management industries employ around 430,000 people and are a fundamental component of the Australian domestic and export economies at a time of growing international demand. The industries include: broadacre farming, livestock farming, mixed crop and livestock farming, amenity horticulture, production horticulture, agriculture support services, wholesaling, and conservation and land management.
Given the broad scope, combined size and differing occupations using the ACM and AHC training packages, the AISC has supported the proposal that the Rural and Related IRC be replaced by two IRCs with responsibility for the respective each training packages.
The proposed structure for each of the IRCs is now open for public comment and consultation. To view each structure please see:
Animal Care and Management IRC
Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management IRC