Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Back for his very important question. National Skills Week is one of the most important weeks on this nation's calendar. This government is committed not only to a stronger economy but to a strong skills base that will enable Australia's young people to make the most of the opportunities that are available.

The Minister for Industry has been extraordinarily busy in this space since the election. The department's VET Reform Taskforce has been consulting widely across the nation. I understand from the minister that the task force has had some 5,000 engagements. Those consultations are continuing and this government is determined to ensure that industry and others have the opportunity to have input into our future plans. We have been listening to industry and to training companies to ensure that these VET reforms are strategic, meaningful and lasting and will strengthen a critical sector of our economy. A highly skilled and capable workforce, as I am sure all in this chamber appreciate, underpins this nation's competitiveness and productivity.

I am proud to confirm again that this government is getting on with providing real support for apprentices. Our trade support loans legislation, which passed this place earlier this year, is about providing those of Australia's young people who wish to take the apprenticeship and training path—which they are entitled to do and which we encourage them to do—with $20,000 loans over four years. This relieves their financial burdens and also increases completion rates for apprentices.(Time expired)