The Subject Matter Expert’s met over the two days to work through the outdoor recreation units that had been identified (List attached) as requiring further review and amendment.

During the workshop they completed and signed off on the review of the following specialisations, 

• Canyoning
• Abseiling Artificial Surfaces
• Rafting
• White Water Rescue
• 4WD

The amendments were checked by the workshop participants and then signed off as correct.

Skiing – Alpine has been partially completed and will be finalised over the next 12 days. (note: these units have been reviewed and are awaiting electronic updating and checking). 

SME’s were nominated to complete the following specialisations and provide SSA with details of amendments to be made by Wednesday 10 March.   

The four qualification outlines were reviewed by the SME group. Suggested changes were made to the electronic versions of the documents and these amendments were then checked by the reviewers and signed off as correct. Service Skills Australia will now review all Outdoor Recreation units to confirm the global change to the wording of the application statement as agreed at the workshop

During general discussion on the structure and content of the qualifications, it was raised that Firearms Safety as specialisation was not included.  This decision to exclude firearms from the listed specialisations was made in 2008 as a result of meetings held with the Queensland and Victorian police and Department’s of Justice in relation to licensing restrictions in place for this area. 

As a result of the discussion SSA agreed to explore the options available in the qualification packaging rules to allow for specialisations not included in the listed options for the qualification to be imported.   We are currently seeking policy advice and direction from the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations and the National Quality Council on this issue and will advise when it is available.

The meeting agreed to following timelines for completion of the remaining work:

10 March 2010: SME members agreed to provide SSA with amendments to the remaining units as outlined above,

15 March 2010:  All advised amendments will be made to electronic versions of the units sent to SME members for sign off.

22 March 2010: Final changes to be made to Outdoor Recreation content.

25 or 26 March  2010 (anticipated date):  Training Package teleconference to be held to provide final sign off on Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Outdoor Recreation.

10 April 2010: Training Package Reference Group to provide Service Skills Australia with letters of support, noting consultation has occurred and they are happy with the outcomes of Outdoor Recreation content of the Training Package.