GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:27): Today I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is central to national discussions about skills and training provision. Recently I was pleased to join my training and skills ministerial colleagues across states and territories and the Honourable Brendan O’Connor, the federal Minister for Skills and Training. After many difficult years of a previous disinterested federal government, the day was remarkably cooperative, with ministers working together to ensure we equip Australians with skills and jobs for the future.
The meeting discussed reform opportunities under the five-year national skills agreement, which is scheduled to commence in January 2024. Further discussion at the meeting included the establishment and progress of Jobs and Skills Australia, JSA. In 2023 JSA will develop the evidence base needed to respond to changing needs in the economy, and of course there will also be a new national study on adult literacy and numeracy. A capacity study on the emerging workforce needs for Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy will also be undertaken.
This meeting occurred at the South Brisbane TAFE campus, where we were able to see a lot of classrooms interacting over a variety of courses, including hospitality, mathematics and catering. The Andrews Labor government is working cooperatively with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to ensure that Victorians have access to the highest quality training. This establishes the workforces for the future and ensures Victorians have long, meaningful careers.
