Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the VET Student Payment Arrangements (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2020. I indicate that the bill proposes sensible administrative changes that Labor will of course support. However, as we reach the end point of this year, we continue to see the devastating impacts of the government's failure in the vocational education and training sector.

As you would be aware, Madam Acting Deputy President O'Neill, before the COVID pandemic the Liberal government had ripped $3 billion from the TAFE and training sector and had overseen a decline in Australian apprentices by 140,000—the very people who will be responsible for rebuilding Australia's path out of these health and economic crises. It's very disappointing that this government is doing so little to help Australian tradies.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Farrell for his contribution and commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.