Page 3762 - Week 10 - Thursday, 14 September 2017
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opportunities, but the very powerful social impact that can come through opportunity is something that is quite important to reflect on when we are considering this topic.
Looking forward, it is evident that vocational and other future training needs in the ACT must consider the context of a changing labour market, changing technologies, issues of gender equity, embracing cultural diversity and the development of new skills for a green economy. It is clear that the world is moving in different directions. We have all listened to those who speak about the future, and we have seen the analysis that indicates that jobs that exist today will not exist in just a decade’s time. Jobs that we cannot even imagine now will exist in a decade’s time.
We need to have the ability for people to adapt. Environmental services will be a particularly important part of that. The ACT government is striving hard at the moment to make this city a centre of renewable energy excellence, and we need to make sure that we provide a training base for people to go into that industry and to take up those opportunities as they grow in our city.
I certainly look forward to seeing more focus on the green economy in our city in the years to come. The ACT has strong foundations for being a city of the future in this regard, and the vocational education and training sector can be a really important part of that. There are many other areas in which the VET sector will also play a part, but that is obviously one of particular interest to me.
I thank Mr Steel for bringing forward this discussion today. It is important that we do focus on this matter, for all the reasons I have touched on today, as well as the reasons touched on in comments made by other speakers. It is a very important part of providing the opportunity in this city for people to be trained and to develop the skills they need to participate in the workforce.
Discussion concluded.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
R U OK? campaign
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong—Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Mental Health) (4.20): I rise today to talk about the successful R U OK? campaign that has been on the road for six weeks, travelling 14,000 kilometres and visiting 20 communities to show Australia that we all have what it takes to support those struggling with life, and culminating in today’s recognition of R U OK? Day. There was some discussion of this in question time earlier today, but I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on it in the adjournment debate because I think this is a very important day. Once again I thank members, as so many members today are wearing their R U OK? Day badges and helping to promote this important cause.
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