Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The key to ensuring Australia has a strong economy is through having a world-class education system. We cannot compete as a low-skill, low-wage economy and we do not want to. We need an educated and innovative workforce. We want to make sure that the young of this country are open to the vast opportunities that Asia offers this country and we know that education is a key part of that challenge. This government have a proud record of education reform. We have made it one of our priorities in government because we know its importance. Our goal in the Asian century is to lift even further our education standards both in schools and in universities. We want to make sure that all Australian students have access to top quality education but also have the best possible chance to access the opportunities of the rise of Asia through delivering a schools curriculum that emphasises access to an understanding of Asian language and culture. We need to make sure that at all levels Australians are engaged with Asia. (Time expired)