Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government is firmly focused on delivering for Australians, and that includes young Australians. I have to say, whether it is making it easier to get into homeownership, whether it's the investment in TAFE or whether it is ensuring that young people are able to get job opportunities, particularly in my home of South Australia, it is the Labor government delivering. I did want to highlight a couple of things.

One thing in particular is the AUKUS project, which not only provides a huge defence capability for our country but so many job opportunities for South Australians not just today, not just tomorrow, but for decades to come. The investment in last night's budget really continues that work to ensure that it's delivering. There is investment in South Australia's critical infrastructure. Not only do we continue to see the North-South Corridor investment but I'm really pleased that this will have over 600 apprenticeships, ensuring that that investment not only improves South Australia's infrastructure remarkedly but invests in our young people. It builds on, for example, the recent opening of the duplication of Main South Road from Seaford to Sellicks, which is now open, which supported 30 apprenticeships. So we are using government money to build infrastructure and support apprentices as well.

In my local community, the Strong and Resilient Communities program is partnering with the City of Onkaparinga on Ignite Futures, designed to support young people aged 15 to 18, helping them build confidence, acquire the relevant skills and establish pathways to meaningful employment. An exciting part of the Ignite Futures initiative is the Future Makers 2.0 program, a 12-week startup program that is offering aspiring young entrepreneurs valuable mentorship with local businesses, along with seed funding to get them started. Renata, a young entrepreneur with an interest in fashion and design, is excited to participate in this program to gain knowledge about starting and growing her own business. Young people are making a difference every day. We as a government are investing in young people.

Finally, I wanted to give a shout-out to all those young people that came out at Anzac Day for our youth vigil. They stood guard at the memorial overnight to lead into the dawn service. I thank Callum Barrott-Walsh, an aspiring young leader, all the committee, along with all those volunteers and young people that made it possible.