Louise Watson B.A (Hons) Melb., M.A ANU, PhD ANU

Louise Watson is Principal Researcher in Lifelong Learning in the Australian Institute of Sustainable Communities at the University of Canberra. She has written extensively on the role of education and training in the new economy, the need for new funding models and the changing role of learning institutions. Her Doctoral thesis - completed at ANU in 1998 - critically examined the impact of Commonwealth government involvement in Australian schooling.

Dr Watson was employed for thirteen years as a Commonwealth public servant during the 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1988 and 1993, she was a Policy Adviser (Schools and International) to the Federal Minister for Employment, Education and Training. During this time, she was closely involved in the development of national curriculum frameworks and Commonwealth/State negotiations over national schools policy. From 1994 to 1996, she was Counsellor to the Schools Council of the National Board of Employment, Education and Training.

Since 1996, Louise has undertaken research and surveys on a wide range of education and training issues. Her clients include the NSW Council on the Cost of Government, Coopers and Lybrand Pty Ltd, State Departments of Education, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, and TAFE Directors Australia. She has won competitive research grants from the University of Canberra and the National Council for Vocational Education Research.

Contact: louise.watson@canberra.edu.au
Web-Link: http://www.canberra.edu.au/expert/index.cfm?event=expert.detail&expertid=8432