Page 432 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 June 1989
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the facilities we have we might try to live with this in the first instance and, if it is unworkable, bring the members closer to the Ministers.
MR WHALAN: Could I seek the advice of the Opposition. I assume that we will deal with the amendment during the detailed discussion. I am still waiting for some information which will assist us in determining the Government's position in relation to the amendment.
MR KAINE: Just accept it, Paul. It will be all right. You will be 65 one of these days.
MR WHALAN: I am one of those in the chamber who is close to that age, and I note that Dr Kinloch might be closer to that age, so it might be suggested that he has a vested interest in it. The background to the age limitation relates to the desire of the Government to get the maximum benefits of being able to appoint people who are younger and possibly experiencing more current aspects of employment and vocational training practices. But we will consider that immediately and come back to you. Now that my fearless leader has arrived, I can indicate to Dr Kinloch that the Government will accept that amendment.
I would like to thank all those people who have participated in the debate as an indication of the expression of interest that has been shown in the question of vocational training. I would like to thank particularly Ms Maher for highlighting the question of the role of women in vocational training and the need to place greater emphasis on women. Members of the Assembly will be aware that our Government has a policy of affirmative action and we are committed to encouraging the expansion of the employment of women in some of the areas which have not been traditionally available to women in the work force, so this is rather a timely reminder of the Government's commitment in that particular area.
On the question of the trade union representation, we should like to emphasise that the Trades and Labour Council would not actually appoint people under the legislation. The appointments would be made by the Minister, and that should be kept in mind. The actual provision states that it is in consultation with the employees, being the TLC; the employers work through the relevant employer organisations.
In that representation there are three representatives from each of those sectors, the first being the government sector, and they are appointed following consultation. The appointments are made by the Minister after consultation. So we should have to be sure that we do not place the wrong emphasis on that particular proposal. I reserve other comments for when we move into the detailed discussion. I thank members for their interest.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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