My constituency question this afternoon is directed to the Minister for Training and Skills, Mr Herbert. It is in relation to the Warrnambool campus of Deakin University.
It comes as no surprise to anyone in this chamber that its ongoing viability has been an issue for a long, long time, and it has been canvassed in a very fulsome way in the papers not only locally but also in Melbourne.
We have an issue generally in the region in terms of very low school retention rates. There have been a number of issues about the lack of alignment of post-school courses with industry and a whole range of ongoing educational issues for the region.
What I am seeking from the minister is an update as to where he understands the negotiations are up to with any parties — whether it be Deakin, Federation University or any other institution — and what the outcome of those negotiations is at this point in time.
