The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations has provided the following response:

(1) $200,157,000 over four years.

(2) (a) 2010-11: $50,031,000 (b) 2011-12: $50,036,000 (c) 2012-13: $50,042,000 (d) 2013-14: $50,048,000 (e) no funding is allocated beyond 2013-14.

(3) At least $66 million will be allocated to support rural and regional businesses and workers. This allocation is not further limited and will be informed by the funding proposals received under an open and competitive application process. The Critical Skills Investment Fund will use the definition of ‘Regional Australia’ promulgated by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, when it is agreed.