Page 1045 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2012
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The ACT joint group training program is an arrangement between the Australian and ACT governments to fund group training organisations that employ and manage the training of Australian apprentices. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research reported that participation in publicly funded vocational education and training in the ACT by students with a disability increased by 16.1 per cent between 2009 and 2010.
After students leave school, the CIT provides an adult learning environment with a range of training options where the needs of students with a disability are specifically catered for. At CIT, we have a great student support team. Importantly, the CIT vocational college offers learning options classes in literacy, numeracy and basic computing for students who need to improve their skills before entering higher certificate courses. Additional support teachers are provided to assist students with an intellectual disability who have more complex learning needs.
To me, providing adequate support for all students is a top priority. I have always believed that our schools, colleges and CIT must go beyond the provision of academic or vocational skills. They also have to provide the supportive environment that nurtures all students as they take their first steps into the workforce, as they go through the ups and downs of working and training, and ultimately builds resilience to succeed in post-school life.
At least as it applies to education provision in the ACT, I agree with the spirit of this motion—to bolster support services for youth with a disability. The government will continue to pursue support options for students which take on a holistic, whole-of-government approach as we prepare our students for future work life. We will also continue to provide programs to students for schooling years before year 11 that build post-school resilience.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Gaming and Racing) (3.54): I will speak very briefly on Mr Doszpot’s amendment. I note that we will not be objecting to it but it is the first time I have seen it. I was aware that the Greens had it a number of hours beforehand, but Mr Doszpot did not have the courtesy to provide my office with it. Probably he is doing his work by adding this, because I cannot remember Mr Doszpot’s last question or his asking for a briefing on disability services.
But I was pleased to hear in his commentary recognition of the need for a community response around employment. There is clearly a role through Disability ACT and through the Education and Training Directorate to be responsive and to put programs in place. But it is larger than just supported accommodation places. I think we would all agree that the intent of the Chief Minister’s inclusion awards is going out to all the business sectors, large and small, and saying, “There is an opportunity to support people with a disability in your workplace.”
I was also pleased to hear Mr Doszpot mention the young man Jack and JACKmail. Last week the Chief Minister and I actually turned the sod on the intentional
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