About the Policy and Research Unit
The Policy and Research Unit undertakes research and policy analysis of education and other aspects of public policy which affect the professional interests and working conditions of NTEU members. These include, but are not limited to, Commonwealth funding policies concerning post-compulsory education, research policy, institutional funding,i ntellectual property law and policy, national competition policy, and the interface between public and private provision of education and research services. The unit also works on political campaigns associated with the above issues. We also undertake funding analysis which supports the development of a national resource database for enterprise bargaining, and provide support for EB teams with financial and other data analysis.
The overall objectives of the unit are:
- To develop and promote the political authority of NTEU on policy issues relevant to our members at a national, state and institutional level.
- To defend and promote the professional interests of our members; in relation to Government and institutional policy, for example, intellectual freedom, the use of new technologies,access to research funding and codes of ethics.
- To provide resources and support to other areas of union activity; in particular, enterprise bargaining, coverage strategies, recruitment and training and strengthening our relationship with other unions, the ACTU and other relevant organisations.
Our work includes but is not limited to:
- The provision of policy advice and support to the National Officers, Executive,Divisions, Branches and staff of other units. Frequently this support has industrial applications relating to enterprise bargaining, recruitment and coverage.
- Preparation of written submissions and verbal representations to Government and other inquiries.
- Assisting the policy committees in developing and implementing policy initiatives.
- Providing editorial assistance to the board of Australian Universities Review.
- Assisting individual members with queries and problems relating to policy issues.
- Lobbying of, and liaison with, relevant arms of Government and associated bureaucracies.
- Liaison and joint work with student organisations, professional associations and other unions.
- Organisation of seminars and conferences, preparation and delivery of conference papers;writing for NTEU, newspapers and journals in Australia and overseas, preparation of media releases and briefing journalists.
- Provision of data about Government funding and institutional funding, and analysis ofpolicy and professional issues being addressed through bargaining, such as access to research funding and academic study leave, intellectual property, and consultancies.
- Participation in NTEU training programs.