Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you again, Senator Sinodinos. The government want to make sure that this Industry Skills Fund and the Skills Adviser Network deliver particular benefits to northern Australia as part of our overall growth strategy for northern Australia. So we have broadened the availability of the $664 million Industry Skills Fund to businesses seeking to expand their operations in northern Australia. Co-contribution rates under the Industry Skills Fund for businesses in northern Australia will be reduced such that, in particular, small, medium and larger businesses will have a lower level of co-contribution and will be further encouraged to invest in the skills of their workforce to be able to grow their base in the north. In addition, five skills advisers will be provided to particularly encourage and provide advice to businesses on how to invest in upskilling or reskilling their workforces in northern Australia. This is a key investment that complements the northern Australia strategy our government has and overall is about lifting the skills base of Australian workers and growing our economy in totality.