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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 04 Hansard (Thursday, 1 April 2004) . . Page.. 1533 ..

education are guided by these findings. Further, special attention is being provided to small business, existing workers in particular industries, women re-entering the workforce, indigenous people, mature age workers and youth.

Overall, it has been a success story. We are still maintaining our efforts to meet areas of need for ACT industries. The ACT government has highlighted specific actions to address skills shortages in the economic white paper. Let me refer to some of those actions. Action 18 will provide customised business-training initiatives for small business, giving them relevant skills to do the job, which is important. Action 20 will provide culturally appropriate business training for the indigenous community and for staff working in this field.

Action 32 is a new program that will build links between school and industry for secondary students who undertake work-based projects in the workplace. I look forward to seeing the outcome of that incredibly necessary program. Action 33, the training pathway guarantee, will provide one year’s post-school vocational training for students who are not already in some form of work or undertaking further education. In effect, that means that those people will not be left alone, as has been happening in the past. They will now undertake some form of formal training or learning, which will assist them.

Action 34 involves skills development for young adults at risk. This initiative will focus on the wellbeing of young people at risk in our community. It will also provide them with skills training and employment. Action 36 involves the development of a vocational education and training program for mature age workers over the age of 45. This is one area of great interest to me. I am sure all members would be aware of my ongoing interest in vocational education and training. However, I also have a specific interest in lifelong learning. It is incredibly important that we focus on re-skilling or up-skilling workers who are over the age of 45. Those people’s jobs may well have changed or they may no longer be available. We must refocus and add to the skills that they already have through this important program.

This government proposes further action through its social plan. There is a strong focus on lifelong learning and training, and there are priorities to increase participation and achievement in education by children and young people. This government has undertaken to increase literacy levels in our community and it is aware of the need to improve the transition between school, further study and the work force. On the issue of literacy, many of us take for granted the ability to read and write. The ability to read and write is essential if we are to obtain employment and participate fully in the community and in society. We can never overstate the importance of adequate literacy programs.

The government will implement pathway plans for year 9 students, which will increase their likelihood of achieving the year 12 certificate. I understand that similar plans will also be implemented for year 10 students. This government supports the implementation of disability standards of education, the continuation of the adult and community education program and non-accredited recreational training for the Canberra community.

Overall, this government’s record is impressive and one which it intends to continue. This government’s record demonstrates that it is addressing the skills shortages issue and it is taking this community forward through its commitment to well-resourced and

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