Background
The Australian Government has been investing in a learning and research standards capability since the mid 1990's.
As Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA), funding was provided to the Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee (AVCC) to develop systemic infrastructure in digital libraries. Some of this funding supported standards activity in libraries, and is still impacting positively on the interoperability of repositories in the current Systemic Infrastructure program.
In the late 90's Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) extended its program of support for the standards capability to e-learning standards.
The resulting capability has a proven track record helping various communities to solve real interoperability problems.
In 2007, the Australian Government encouraged the branding of this capability as Link Affiliates to give it wider visibility and allow it to work more broadly.
While still substantially supported by the Australian Government, Link Affiliates now collaborates widely with education and training experts to achieve its goals.
In 2008, DEST was replaced by a new department within the Australian Government, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Science and Research responsibilities including NCRIS were transfered to the new Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR).
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
The department implements government policies and programs to provide education and training opportunities for all Australians, to increase employment participation and to ensure fair and productive workplaces.
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR)
The Department's vision is increased prosperity for all Australians through internationally competitive and sustainable business.
