MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:26): Last week I had the opportunity to visit Yulong farm near Cavendish to see the progress on the Andrews Labor government’s investment in the shearing industry. As part of our $1.2 million investment, a new shearing app has been created to complement hands-on learning, and I was pleased to launch the app at Yulong farm. The app includes instructional videos on shearing techniques. Using virtual reality, students watch the videos and answer questions about techniques. There are also health and safety resources on the app, such as how to look after your health as a shearer. The app is a collaboration between South West TAFE, the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia, Rural Industries Skill Training and Start Beyond—a great example of training and industry providers coming together to ensure relevant, high-quality training. It is seriously impressive and a great complement to hands-on learning.
The other part of the $1.2 million investment is the new entry-level shearing qualifications, which have seen an amazing take-up. I am delighted to advise the chamber that the courses have exceeded the enrolment target of 125, with 150 Victorians enrolled in the accredited shearing qualification this year. In addition, our investment has ensured delivery across 14 separate locations across the state. And as Minister Symes has already announced, there will be significant further investment in agricultural training in this year’s budget, including in the TAFE system. These are fantastic investments, great for rural and regional Victoria. We are getting on with the job of delivering for the wool industry, the agricultural sector and regional Victoria.
