Page 4102 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 26 November 2014
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MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Racing and Gaming, Minister for Women and Minister for the Arts) (4.47): I am very pleased to join Ms Porter and others on this side to acknowledge the underlying strengths of the ACT economy and what the government is doing to ensure that our community remains strong and prosperous. Indeed, if it has not been mentioned, let me repeat that the OECD recently named Canberra as the most livable city in the world, with the ACT ranking 10 out of 10 for safety, civic engagement and income; 9.9 out of 10 for health; and 9.6 out of 10 for jobs. The Property Council survey earlier this year rated Canberra as Australia’s most livable city according to the residents’ view of their own city. The strong support of small and medium enterprises in the territory for the ACT government was highlighted in recent Sensis surveys showing support for our policies was the highest of any state or territory government.
However, there can be no doubt our economy and community are facing some challenging times. The federal Liberals’ drive to slash the public service will have a disproportionate impact on our community. Not only do many Canberra families face the prospect of job losses before Christmas but the ACT has also been hit by the commonwealth cuts to program funding in health and education, to name two. There is also, of course, the impact that Mr Fluffy will have on our community and economy. However, we are a strong community with a strong underlying economy, and we can and will weather the storm. We will weather it in part due to the clear and deliberate strategies from this government.
Everyone on this side of the chamber is committed to talking up this city and talking up the opportunities and programs which make Canberra such a good place to live and do business in. We will do all we can to support this city and ensure that our second century is as prosperous as the first. In this regard I am very pleased to be leading significant reforms in school and territory education to ensure everyone in Canberra has the skills and education necessary to lead productive, happy and prosperous lives. I am pleased to be working with industry and employers to ensure that this economy has the skilled workforce to drive growth for the ACT.
We are currently one of the most educated populations in the country. Compared to other jurisdictions, we have one of the lowest levels of unemployment and disadvantage. This government is determined to make sure it stays that way. Each year the government provides $100 million in funding for training and skills development. Given the current issues facing Canberra, I am particularly pleased with the assistance provided for the reskilling of workers in a range of qualifications that directly align to areas identified as high need in the ACT. This ensures that industry has access to qualified employees and that students are engaging in study that will lead to better jobs.
The VET sector plays a vital role in maintaining the resilience and optimism of the Canberra community, especially where industry sectors experience downturns such as we have seen through the recent cuts to the commonwealth public service. I acknowledge the contributions of our public and private training organisations. They ensure our VET sector remains vibrant and effective. Collectively they directly employ 2,000 staff or more and provide services to over 30,000 students.
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