Page 3026 - Week 08 - Thursday, 15 August 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
At this stage there is little detail about what these agencies will do and how they will operate. Work is currently underway by the commonwealth government to develop their scope and composition. We look forward to further advice from the commonwealth in relation to their intent and the time frames associated with implementing these measures.
I would like to particularly welcome the establishment of a national careers institute. It will provide—it certainly should provide—important advice for young people, and their parents, caregivers and teachers, to navigate their options; to make informed decisions about their future; and to facilitate a smoother transition from school into further education, training and employment.
However, the implementation of the national skills commission and skills organisations will need to be considered carefully to ensure that their roles, their responsibilities and their objectives are clear and understood, and to avoid further complicating the VET system, which is already very complicated, or doing anything that would limit the ability of states and territories to deliver training outcomes tailored to our local needs. That must be resisted.
The ACT government recognises that a properly supported and funded vocational education and training sector that is capable of responding to local needs and priorities is absolutely critical to delivering an adaptable workforce and enabling all working aged Canberrans to develop the skills they need to participate effectively in the labour market.
Importantly, we also recognise that a strong vocational education and training sector enables people, regardless of their background or circumstances, to develop valuable lifelong learning skills and capabilities that support their wellbeing and their capacity to contribute and participate in our community.
For these reasons, we are committed to working with the Australian government and other states and territories to ensure that future reforms maintain the integrity of TAFE and the broader VET system; support lifelong learning for all Australians; and deliver the skills we need now and the skills we will need in the future. The VET sector is vital to our local economy. The ACT government will continue to implement policies that ensure that our skill needs are met and that those who wish to undertake training for various reasons are supported to do so. I commend this part of the appropriation to the Assembly.
If no-one else is speaking, I have one final section I should comment on. I will resume with the treasury stream, which is a significant element within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. This area provides strategic advice and support to the government and all ACT government agencies in relation to budget and financial management, economic and revenue policy, infrastructure financing, federal financial relations, and workers compensation policy. Treasury is also responsible for advising on and implementing revenue policy, including tax reform; collecting tax revenue; and managing the territory’s financial assets and liabilities, including our superannuation liabilities and investments.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video