MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:09): I am pleased today to rise and update the house on the Skills for Victoria’s Growing Economy review. As members will know, this is a major review commissioned by the government to reform and revitalise our post-secondary education and training system to lay out a path to secure the skilled workforce Victoria needs into the future. The review, led by former federal minister Jenny Macklin, was released today. The Labor government’s major investments in roads and public transport, education, family violence prevention, disability and aged care will create thousands of jobs over the next decade. The review explored how the system can continue to support Victorian students, businesses and communities as those jobs come online. Importantly, the review sought to provide confidence to jobseekers and employers, especially as Victoria responds to and recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
It is the latest step in the Labor government’s ongoing work to rebuild the sector after it was left decimated by the last Liberal government. This is a significant body of work, and the report will play a critical role in shaping our efforts to ensure the education and training system delivers the skills Victoria needs. I would like to thank Jenny Macklin and all of those who contributed, including students, teachers and employers, for their commitment to this important reform process. The government will now consider the findings of the review and respond within the coming months.
