Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) is an Institute of Higher Education accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) , (Provider Number PRV14049) in, Australia. PIA is also a registered to offer courses to overseas students as a registered provider through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) (CRICOS code 03535M).
PIA is located in the centre of Sydney, that strives to provide a creative, supportive and safe culture to assist both domestic and international students in realising their full career potential as professionals. PIA is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, where studies can undertake undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Currently PIA offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the following broad fields of study:
- Business
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Networking and Telecommunication
Vision
Our vision is to create graduates who go on to transform their lives and the lives of others.
Mission
- ensure the delivery of quality teaching and learning.
- support our students and staff to provide them the greatest chance of success.
- protect the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.
- enhance operations and governance to reflect the changing size, maturity, and diversity of PIA.
- actively pursue collaborative relationships with other institutions of higher learning nationally and internationally for the benefit of its students.
The Values are Accountability, Collegiality, Commitment, Recognition, Respect, Trust.
Accountability
- take ownership of our actions;
- keep our promises;
- acting in accordance with ethical standards, regulations, and best practices; and
- drive excellence in everything we do.
Collegiality
- behave with mutual respect, support, and cooperation;
- achieve success through a shared purpose;
- value diverse perspectives and nurture open communication; and
- allow every voice to be heard, ensure every contribution is valued, and make sure every member is empowered to thrive.
Commitment
- pursue excellence with unwavering determination;
- persevere through challenges even in the face of adversity;
- go above and beyond and striving for continuous improvement; and
- allow each other to unlock our full potential and make a meaningful impact in everything we do.
Recognition
- celebrate effort and accomplishment;
- foster a sense of belonging, motivation, and pride within our community;
- inspire continued personal growth, collaboration; and
- ensure everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated.
Respect
- recognise each other’s inherent worth and dignity;
- show mutual respect;
- treat others with kindness, fairness, and empathy; and
- support each other and allow them to thrive.
Trust
- work confidently with honesty and respect;
- embrace an environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and collaborate;
- achieve our goals with confidence and integrity; and
- forge strong connections, empower one another, and allow honesty and accountability to flourish.
Strategic Priority 1
Grow enrolments
Strategic Priority 2
Optimise the student experience
Strategic Priority 3
Further enhance academic and administrative quality
Strategic Priority 4
Further improve all HEP performance measures
Strategic Priority 5
Promote a positive organisational culture
Statement of Financial Standing
Provider details
Provider Name: Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd
ABN: 34 145 333 795
Date of Statement of Financial Standing: 6 September 2023
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
In accordance with a resolution of the directors of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd, the
directors declare that:
1. The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 2 to 15, present fairly the
company’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and its performance for the year ended
on that date in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian
Accounting Interpretations); and
2. Inthe directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will
be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
Director
John Tarrant
Dated this day of 31/08/2023
Director
Michael Abraham
Dated this day of 6/9/2023
Opinion
We have audited the financial report of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd (the company), which
comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023, the statement of profit or loss and
other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the
year then ended, notes to the financial statements including a summary of significant accounting
policies, and the directors’ declaration.
In our opinion:
the accompanying financial report of the company is in accordance with the Corporations Act
2001, including:
(i)
giving a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at30 June 2023 and of
its financial performance for the year then ended; and
(ii) | complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the
Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of
the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110: Code of Ethics for
Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our
audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with the Code.
We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has
been given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms ifgiven to the directors as
at the time of this auditor’s report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our opinion.
Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023, but does
not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read
the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially
inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to
be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a
material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing
to report in this regard.
Tuition Assurance Arrangement details
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an initiative of the Australian Government that assists students whose education provider is unable to deliver fully a course of study. PIA is registered member of the TPS and has current coverage.
In the unlikely event that PIA is unable to deliver a course that an international student has paid for and unable either to offer an alternative course acceptable to the student or to refund the student’s unspent prepaid tuition fees, the TPS will assist students to find an alternative course or to obtain a refund of their unspent tuition fees if no suitable alternative can be found.
Domestic up-front fee-paying students are also eligible for tuition protection assistance under the TPS if the course has not commenced, or ceases after commencement but before completion, and the student has not previously withdrawn.
For more information go to: Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
Head Office
Level 16, 233 Castlereagh St
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia
Sydney Campus
Level 16, 233 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia
Polytechnic Institute Australia is located in the heart of the Sydney business district, near Town Hall, the Downing Centre Station and the George Street bus routes, and a few minutes from Central Railway Station and Chinatown.
Many tourist attractions including Darling Harbour, Haymarket, Star City, and the QVB are within easy walking distance.
Melbourne Campus
West Melbourne
363 King Street West Melbourne
Victoria 3003
PIA West Melbourne Campus is located in the heart of Melbourne CBD a stone throw away from Flagstaff Gardens and the Queen Victoria Market at 363 King Street West Melbourne. Accessibility can be via Flagstaff Gardens train station and Latrobe Street Tram routes. With access to some of the popular eating places nearby and the Melbourne Central a quick tram ride away.
Geelong Campus
Level 1, West, 237 Ryrie Street,
Geelong Victoria 3220
Australia
Geelong is Victoria second largest city; its population is around 250,000 people. Geelong is known for its rich culture, history and heritage. Home to the Geelong Football team and Kardinia Park where students can experience the AFL football firsthand. As a gateway to the some of Victoria most beautiful coastal towns Geelong has a variety of experience to offer.
PIA Geelong campus is located a stone throw away from Geelong business district, near Geelong Station and is accessible by train and bus.
Contact Details
Ph: (+612) 8319 8202
Email: info@pia.edu.au
PIA’s facilities include:
- the latest audio-visual equipment, and computer and networking labs utilising the latest technologies
- fast WiFi and internet access
- student common room
- tea room, microwave, refrigerator and hot water
- Access to a virtual library for all students to use.
Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) is an Institute of Higher Education accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), (Provider Number PRV14049) in, Australia. PIA is also a registered to offer courses to overseas students as a registered provider through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) (CRICOS code 03535M).
Polytechnic Institute Australia’s undergraduates and postgraduate degrees are of the highest standards and are designed to be accredited by the relevant professional bodies, including CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand. Polytechnic Institute Australia is also an Australian Computer Society Professional Partner.
Registration
As a registered Institute of Higher Education; PIA (PRV14049) offers undergraduate and post graduate degrees in the fields of Business, Accounting, Marketing, Networking and Telecommunication. PIA degrees are individually registered for delivery to international students under the institutes CRICOS registration (CRICOS Code: 03535M) and are recognised as being at the same level in terms of similar courses offered by Australian universities that meet the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Accreditation
Polytechnic Institute Australia’s Bachelor of Business (Accounting) is an accredited program under CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand.
The Bachelor of Business (Accounting) is accredited by CPA Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
All PIA graduates of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) are eligible to apply for membership with either CPA and/or CAANZ.
Student undertaking the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) online during the COVID remote delivery offering are required to, complete examinations in person and on campus for some subjects.
Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for further details.
Governance and Leadership
[stm_color_separator color=”#36a957″]Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) strives to achieve the highest levels of leadership and corporate governance. PIA’s Board of Directors and Academic Board and Executive consist of internationally recognised academics and industry professionals working together to ensure that PIA’s corporate and academic governance maintains the highest international standards.
Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) endeavours to accomplish the highest levels of academic leadership and corporate governance. PIA’s Board of Directors and Academic Board and Executive is committed to working together to maintain high quality standards.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Polytechnic Institute Australia is an Australian Proprietary Company, Limited by Shares formed under the Corporations Act 2001 with a Board of Directors that includes a majority of external members. The independence of the Board of Directors provides a mechanism to separate the ownership and governance of the Company from the management of PIA day-to-day operations. The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic planning to ensure that PIA continues to meet its regulatory and community obligations and responsibilities.
Professor John Tarrant (Chair)
Professor Tarrant is a part-time Professor at the Law School of the University of Western Australia.
Professor Tarrant’s tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Master of Laws, Master of Defence Studies, Doctor of Juridical Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy. He also has a certificate in Law Teaching and diplomas in Taxation, Finance and Adult Education. Prior to joining UWA, he worked in the mining and petroleum industries as a company director with an emphasis on developing junior mining companies.
Professor Tarrant is a Barrister of the High Court of Australia and has been admitted as a legal practitioner in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.
Mr Michael Abraham
Mr Abraham is currently the global financial controller for one of Australia’s top 25 fastest growing companies.
During his tenure Mr Abraham has driven efficiencies and reduced risk across the company, against the background of a company growing exponentially. He is an experienced financial controller working across many sectors over the past 19 years, and has a demonstrated ability to adapt to a variety of environments, effectively restructuring people and processes to optimise efficiency and output. He has specialist knowledge in complex financial model development. Commercially minded, Mr Abraham is a strong negotiator with proven success in obtaining attractive contract terms. He has successfully lead international and interstate business establishments and restructures, and specialises in utilising both financial and non-financial data in order to manage risks.
Mrs Khushboo Bagga
Khushboo is an external member of the Board of Directors with expertise in education, holding a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science.
Professor James Barber AM
Professor Barber holds a First Class Honours degree from Flinders University, a PhD in experimental psychology from the University of Adelaide and a Doctor of the University (honoris causa) from Flinders University. In 2015, he retired as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of New England, Australia in order to pursue his interests in educational start-ups. Prior to serving as Vice-Chancellor at the University of New England, Professor Barber was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at RMIT University in Melbourne, and served three terms as Head of Department at Flinders University before taking up the position of Dean at the University of Toronto in Canada. He is the author of more than 150 refereed journal articles and 6 books, and the winner of North America’s highest literary award for evidence-based practice, the Pro-Humanitate Medal, for his research into child welfare. He is a former winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at Flinders University and his contribution to higher education was formally recognised in a motion by the New South Wales Parliament in 2014. More recently in June 2021 Professor James Barber AM was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia, for his significant service to tertiary education administration, and to youth.
Dr. Vernon Crew
I have pursued a career in education at all levels and in a variety of contexts, working in the United Kingdom, Zambia, Hong Kong and Australia, all for substantial periods, together with short-term consultancies and secondments elsewhere in Africa, North America, Asia and the Pacific Rim. My experience includes teaching in schools, vocational and higher education institutions, long-term service as Principal of an international school in Zambia and as Head of the School of English at the principal teacher training institution in Hong Kong, founding Head of the Centre for International Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (later the Education University of Hong Kong) and Director, English Language and International Services at the University of New England. I hold a BA in Education and an MA and PhD in Applied Linguistics. I conduct constructive external reviews of higher education institutions in Australia and Papua New Guinea and provide consultancy support to a wide range of providers in the higher education sector. My areas of academic and practical interest are tertiary education leadership, governance and management, with a particular interest in change capability development and institutional quality assurance, driven by substantial experience in reviewing and working with tertiary institutions seeking to position themselves in the higher education space.
Professor Christine Slade
Emeritus Professor Christina Slade has extensive experience, both as an executive and board member, in education, digital innovation and the cultural and creative industries. She was Vice -Chancellor and Chief Executive of Bath Spa University in the UK where she represented the university sector in Westminster and Brussels. Prior to that she was the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at the City University London and Macquarie University’s Dean of Humanities. She was Professor of Media Theory with the University of Utrecht and the Head of the Creative Communication School at the University of Canberra.
Professor Slade’s board appointments include the Advisory Board of QS rankings, a UK based group, the National Art School and the Adelaide based Media Centre for Education Research (MCERA). She is on the Council of the Royal Society of NSW. She joined the Council of Charles Sturt University in 2019, and was seconded to serve as Rector of the University over 2021. While based in the UK she was Chair of University of Gibraltar’s Academic Board, Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Trustee of The Royal High School Bath and the Holburne Museum, Director and Chair of the Education, Heritage and Culture Sector Table with the Iraq Britain Business Council
Professor Slade has a PhD in philosophy of language and logic from The Australian National University, a Diploma of Education from the University of New England and qualifications in Spanish, French and Arabic. She has led major European Union funded research grants and has authored numerous articles, books and given presentations to the media, government and commercial organisations
Academic Board
Academic Board
The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for academic policymaking, academic administration and oversight of the educational process pertaining to the operation of higher education courses to the Academic Board. The Academic Board is made up of a majority of external members and staff, with students as invitee to ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in academic governance.
Sally Robertson (Chair)
Professor Sally Robinson is an experienced academic leader who most recent focus has been on learning and teaching and student engagement. She is a registered nurse who served as the Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Sydney for a number of year and prior as Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching). She successfully led the development and accreditation of the School’s curriculum for both internal and external accreditation. Notre Dame is recognised as having one of the best nursing schools in the country.
Sally served as Chair of the University Learning and Teaching Committee and the internal accreditation committee responsible for accreditation of courses and units for all disciplines at the University. As a result of her work, Sally was awarded Senior Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy in the UK.
Sally is currently serving on Academic Boards/Counsels at a number of institutions.
Dr Elly Thomson
Eloise Thomson is the Head of Program and senior lecturer for the Bachelor of Education programs at Melbourne Polytechnic in Melbourne, Australia. She has over 20 years experience in Higher Education and the delivery and governance of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs. Her research interests encompass early childhood, primary, and ITE contexts. Specifically, her work delves into early childhood education, collaborative practices, the use of technology in educational settings, and the development of initial teacher education programs
Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) Kate Tran
Associate Professor Kate Tran has been a lecturer, educator and academic leader in higher education for over two decades. Her work in academia focuses on enhancing teaching and learning quality and academic integrity, and facilitating student development of language, academic, research and professional skills. She particularly interests in working with and supporting international students, especially those from countries where English is learnt as a foreign language (EFL) or second language (ESL). Kate has served and contributed to the Learning and Teaching Committees and Academic Boards at a number of Institutions. At PIA, Kate is the Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching).
Associate Professor Elaine Evans
Elaine is a Higher Education Consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the sector. She is both a FCPA and a CA. Currently Elaine is a member of academic boards of Higher Education Private Providers (HEPPs) and is an external reviewer of curricula for accounting specialisations in undergraduate degrees. In addition, she chairs Course Advisory and Review Committees. She has held academic positions at Macquarie University, UWS (now WSU), ANU and UNSW. She has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in the accounting discipline. Her roles at Macquarie University included Higher Degree Research Co-ordinator and Research Co-ordinator for which she won the Faculty of Business and Economics Dean’s Award for Research Leadership. Elaine is the recipient of a Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Education Award, from Macquarie University. She has received Outstanding Reviewer and Outstanding Paper Awards from international accounting and accounting education journals. She has been an invited guest editor for themed editions of Accounting Education and Accounting History journals and a plenary speaker at the British Accounting Association Education Special Interest Group Annual Conference, at the University of Essex. She was a member of the Editorial Review Board of several international accounting journals.
Dr David Baxter
Dr David Baxter was a secondary school English teacher, head of department and North West regional consultant for the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education from 1975-1995. He then became a lecturer in English and literacy education for the University of New England until 2007 before moving to the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) in 2007 as Associate Dean and Acting Dean in 2012. His responsibilities there included chairing the Teaching and Learning Committee and serving on Academic Board. Since retiring from ACPE in 2013, he has done consultancy work with a range of private and public higher education providers in areas such as policy development and review, TEQSA registration and course accreditation and governance reviews. He has been Chair of the PIA Learning and Teaching Committee since 2018.
Mr Mohammad Akbar
Associate Professor Mohammad Akbar brings extensive experience in higher education, focusing on enhancing teaching quality and supporting student development in accounting and professional skills. Holding dual MBAs in Professional Accounting from UTS, Australia, and Marketing from North South University, Bangladesh, he brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to his roles. Mohammad is dedicated to improving classroom education quality by aligning it with industry demands to enhance the employability of fresh graduates. With a wealth of experience in marketing and sales across various industries, he actively contributes to the academic community at PIA. He is also pursuing research in accounting education at the University of Southern Queensland. Mohammad currently holds the positions of Associate Dean (Academic Operations) and Chair of the Board of Examiners at PIA.
Email: mohammad@pia.edu.au
Professor Geoff Morris
Dean Professor Geoff Morris has an extensive background in both the business world and in academia. Prior to his appointment at PIA he has spent almost 13 years in senior academic roles including Dean of Business at the University of Notre Dame and the Dean and Director of Learning & Teaching at Asia Pacific International College. Before joining academia, he had a successful business career involving senior leadership positions in public and private organisations including Sydney Water, Commonwealth Bank, HCF, Medibank Private, TAB and Australian Water Technologies. He has managed and delivered a number of large projects in Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Geoff’s home discipline is economics with a bachelors degree from Sydney University. This was followed by postgraduate qualifications in management, leadership and higher education teaching.
Executive Management Committee
Executive Management Committee
The authority of the Board of Directors derives from the Constitution of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd. The Board of Directors has delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIA to manage the day-to-day operations of the organisation.
The CEO convenes the Executive Management Committee (EMC) as an advisory committee, that assists the CEO in the day-to-day running of PIA and the implementation of the PIA’s Strategic and Operational Plans.
The EMC consists of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Compliance, Quality and Risk Manager, Dean and Marketing Manager.
Chief Executive Officer Ms Alessia Calabrese ceo@pia.edu.au
Chief Operating Officer Mr Amanjot Singh coo@pia.edu.au
Dean Professor Geoff Morris dean@pia.edu.au
Compliance, Quality and Risk Manager Dr David Morgan compliance@pia.edu.au