Page 383 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 16 February 2016
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Finally, I am also delighted to take on the portfolio of Higher Education, Training and Research. I spoke last week about the enormous contribution this sector makes to the local and regional economy. We have nationally and internationally recognised research and education institutions right here in the ACT. The ANU tops Australia’s university rankings, and sits amongst the world’s top research universities. The University of Canberra is continuing to increase its global standing, and has an exciting plan for developing its campus into a modern and innovative hub, including an exciting health precinct.
We are also fortunate to have the University of New South Wales Canberra, the Australian Catholic University, Charles Sturt University and the Canberra Institute of Technology. These institutions give Canberra an edge as a world-class knowledge economy. We also benefit from university researchers at the ANU and UC and the research work of organisations such as CSIRO and Data61. Their successes serve to strengthen our economy.
We can all be proud that Canberra is a world-class destination for students from all over the world. It is wonderful that so many students seek to come to Canberra to gain the skills and knowledge that will help them build their futures.
I look forward to working with our vocational training sector, which has taken great steps forward in recent years, to ensure the sector is responding to the needs of the ACT. I look forward to working with the new board and Chief Executive Officer of CIT, Canberra’s largest provider, as they plan for CIT’s future and an exciting future for their staff and students. I especially look forward to the Tuggeranong campus opening later this year, which the previous minister, Ms Burch, was so instrumental in establishing.
My first qualification after school was from a vocational training institution, a qualification that led me to my first full-time job. After a few years, I embarked on six years on university campuses as a student and tutor, including periods overseas for research and intern opportunities. The knowledge and skills I learnt gave me enormous opportunity.
As minister, I will be keen to focus on increasing the connections between our educational institutions and our business and community sectors. We can be a nation-leading jurisdiction for the export of smart ideas and smart solutions that have their genesis in our higher education, research and training institutions.
I will be keen to work on increasing research collaboration across institutions, and between government and the private sector. We must find new ways to harness the knowledge, skills and innovation in our city, to drive prosperity and equality. Our educational institutions can be among the most powerful drivers of opportunity and equality. We should make sure we are maximising every opportunity to develop educational pathways to prosperity.
I know of the Chief Minister’s deep commitment to education, and I look forward to working with him, Mr Rattenbury and my colleagues as we continue to build on our strengths and make Canberra truly a smart city, an education city.
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