Swinburne University of Technology deputy vice-chancellor David Coltman to take top role at TAFE SA

TAFE SA has poached a senior figure from a Melbourne university to become its new chief executive, as the organisation looks to repair its reputation after an accreditation crisis.

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TAFE SA has poached a senior figure from a Melbourne university to become its new chief executive, as the organisation looks to repair its reputation after an accreditation crisis.

Education Minister John Gardner on Monday announced the appointment of Swinburne University of Technology deputy vice-chancellor for pathways and vocational education David Coltman to the top role at TAFE SA, where he replaces interim boss Alex Reid.

Ms Reid was brought in to steady the ship in December 2017 after an audit found major shortcomings across the agency and senior leaders at TAFE SA quit or were sacked.

Mr Coltman said he was looking forward to getting started and moving to Adelaide.

“I am hugely excited about the future for TAFE SA,” he said.

“The role of chief executive with TAFE SA comes with lots of expectations. It’s a great responsibility and I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity.

“I look forward to working with employers and community leaders, the South Australian Government and TAFE SA staff and students, to make sure we have the right people with the right skills to grow our economy, and to meet the social and cultural needs of SA.”

His tenure begins on April 15.

Mr Gardner said Mr Coltman brought a wealth of experience and had an extensive history in the management and delivery of programs that increase participation in higher education.

He said that included an extensive history in delivering programs for under-represented communities including Maori, Pacific and refugee communities in New Zealand.

“Mr Coltman’s appointment as chief executive is a key milestone in delivering the fresh start for TAFE that the Marshall Liberal Government promised,” Mr Gardner said.

“The board has undertaken an extensive recruitment process and Mr Coltman brings valuable

leadership experience in the vocational education and training sector to the role.”

Mr Gardner thanked Ms Reid for her “great work” as interim chief executive, and said she’d guided TAFE SA through a significant period of reform that improved quality outcomes.

The State Government has pledged to create more than 20,000 new training places in the sector, saying SA needs to be ready for an expected naval shipbuilding boom.

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