Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 13 Hansard (2 December) . . Page.. 4261 ..

MR STEFANIAK (Minister for Education and Training) (12.26), in reply: I thank members for their comments. Given that I introduced this Bill on behalf of Mr Kaine, the Minister for Industrial Relations, I now close the debate. Mr Speaker, this Bill provides us with an interim strategy. It will allow training in the building and construction industry to continue until a long-term strategy which incorporates community and industry advice can be established. I think that is essential. I would not agree with the comments Mr Berry has made in relation to that. I do think that is important.

Mr Speaker, the Government circulated a discussion paper on funding for training in the building and construction industry, along with a draft Bill which would create an industry training fund as one option. I think it is very important that public consideration of this issue does not unduly disrupt training. This Bill ensures that training in the building and construction industry will continue at a level of 40 per cent of the income of the long service leave training fund for a further six months, up to 30 June 1998. The continuation of funding guarantees that training will not be interrupted by a sudden drying-up of resources. The last thing we would want would be for some trainees who otherwise might receive training not to receive it.

This Government is committed to working with the industry to promote ongoing training, and we seek to investigate the best ways of encouraging training in this vital industry area. In fact, as I have already stated, the Government is canvassing the views of the community on options such as a training levy in a voluntary industry controlled and managed scheme. Clearly, the emphasis on training in the building and construction industry needs to be sharpened. The Government is confident it can work cooperatively with the building and construction industry to develop a long-term strategy to improve training. The investment in training in the industry positions the sector well for any new wave of construction in the industry. I point out to Mr Berry that, far from a number of jobs being lost under this Government, we have seen, in very difficult times, over 6,500 jobs created.

I was interested to hear Mr Waterford, the editor of the Canberra Times, on ABC this morning, indicating that the economy was looking up; that jobs have been created; and that we probably have turned the corner in a remarkably short period of time. Given the substantial cuts that the Federal Government has made to the Federal Public Service, I think that brings great credit on this Government for the efforts it has made to create jobs in what are difficult times for Canberra. Mr Berry should be giving us a big pat on the back, rather than engaging in rather pathetic attempted point-scoring there. I commend this Bill to the Assembly.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .