It is with great pleasure that I also rise to speak on the South West Institute of TAFE annual report 2006. When I looked at the report it became very apparent to me that the South West Institute of TAFE has a very well-established reputation. It is financially secure, it is committed to regional sustainability, and it will continue to grow and provide investment in the region. The institute is of critical importance in the south-west, particularly in relation to our being able to address the skill shortages that we currently face. It will keep us well equipped into the future.
With respect to the vocational education and training in schools program, the South West Institute of TAFE continues to be the main vocational provider for secondary schools in the south-west region and beyond.
In 2006 a total of 773 students was enrolled in areas satisfying the Victorian certificate of applied learning and Victorian certificate of education requirements.
Training delivery in 2006 focused on a number of areas. Through the government-funded training plan we saw 11.3 per cent in general manufacturing, 11.2 per cent in business services, 10.7 per cent in community services and health, 10.1 per cent in tourism and hospitality, 9.6 per cent in cultural and recreation, 8.9 per cent in electorate technology and communications, 8.1 per cent in building and construction, 8.1 per cent in primary and forest and 6.1 per cent in metals and engineering.
It is clear that South West Institute of TAFE is absolutely an engine for skills development in the area and is a major contributor in getting young people to stay in the region so they can build businesses, create new prospects and bring up families. The institute also has a variety of campuses in the area that Mr Koch has mentioned: Portland, Hamilton, Warrnambool at the Timor Street campus, the Deakin University campus and of course Glenormiston.
In the 2006-07 Victorian budget approval was given for $11 million for stage 3 of the building project at the Warrnambool campus. The plans for that are before the council, and we are waiting for the project to kick off to provide exceptional opportunities in Warrnambool. The Office of Training and Tertiary Education has contributed $500 000 to be spread over a number of projects at the institute, including completion of works at the Deakin University site, where the institute runs trade programs.
It is interesting to note that the institute spends an enormous amount of resources in the area of student support, not just at its campuses but also out in the community.
I would like to pick up on the work conducted with the local indigenous communities and with the Koori education program. The report cites a number of successes the institute has had in this area, and this will grow as the popularity of the institute increases and trust is built up between the local indigenous communities and various institute campuses in the area. In short, the community links far outweigh what was originally expected, but a number of people in the institute have made sure it is a continuing, growing priority. I look forward to developing a very good working relationship with the new chief executive officer, Mr Piper. I commend this report.