❓ Shadow Minister Ravlich questions the Minister for Training on government initiatives to address declining apprenticeship numbers, referencing a media release from the Leader of the Opposition. The Minister rejects Labor's proposed policies but highlights existing government efforts to support apprentices and trainees.
AnsweredQoN 458Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
vocational training — government initiatives
I refer to yesterday’s media release by Hon Eric Ripper, Leader of the Opposition, on training plans and targets needed to protect jobs. I refer also to a report in The West Australian of 7 March that the number of first-year apprentices has almost halved, from 760 last year to 350 this year; to the Department of Education and Training’s own figures, which show that nearly 1 000 apprentices have lost their positions in 2009, while others have had their time cut; and to industry reports from registered training organisations and group training schemes that indicate that their apprentice and trainee numbers are down by approximately 40 per cent and that many are on up to 80 per cent down time. (1) In light of those figures, does the minister support the call on his government to — (a) aim for 100 000 new training places to be created in Western Australia with the support of commonwealth government funding; (b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications? (2) If not, why not? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER
I refer to yesterday’s media release by Hon Eric Ripper, Leader of the Opposition, on training plans and targets needed to protect jobs. I refer also to a report in The West Australian of 7 March that the number of first-year apprentices has almost halved, from 760 last year to 350 this year; to the Department of Education and Training’s own figures, which show that nearly 1 000 apprentices have lost their positions in 2009, while others have had their time cut; and to industry reports from registered training organisations and group training schemes that indicate that their apprentice and trainee numbers are down by approximately 40 per cent and that many are on up to 80 per cent down time. (1) In light of those figures, does the minister support the call on his government to — (a) aim for 100 000 new training places to be created in Western Australia with the support of commonwealth government funding; (b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications? (2) If not, why not? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(1) In light of those figures, does the minister support the call on his government to — (a) aim for 100 000 new training places to be created in Western Australia with the support of commonwealth government funding; (b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications? (2) If not, why not? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
(c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
(d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(1) In light of those figures, does the minister support the call on his government to — (a) aim for 100 000 new training places to be created in Western Australia with the support of commonwealth government funding; (b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications? (2) If not, why not? The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(b) provide funding to increase the number of apprentices and trainees from 37 929 to 50 000 by 2012; (c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
(c) introduce cuts to payroll tax by providing rebates for businesses employing apprentices and trainees; and (d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
(d) encourage participation through fee exemptions for Indigenous students undertaking their first vocationally oriented training qualifications?
The PRESIDENT : Before I call the minister to respond, may I encourage members to acquaint themselves with the standing orders, just in case my successor is not as lenient as I am. Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER replied: (1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
(1)-(2) I thank the honourable member for the shadow ministerial statement. I do not mind answering the question, but with respect — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : Answer it. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I will definitely answer it. I was surprised when the media statement yesterday came from Hon Eric Ripper. I thought it might have come from the shadow minister. Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon Ken Travers interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
The PRESIDENT : Order! The minister is seeking to answer the question. How on earth can the member expect somebody to answer a question if he is constantly being interrupted. Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
Hon PETER COLLIER : I will get straight to the point. We will not be implementing Labor’s policy; I can assure the member of that. However, we have already made significant gains through what we are doing to assist the unemployed and those apprentices who have been stood down. The preliminary statement or first part of the question referred to the thousands suspended. I am sure that the member would be aware, having been in this position, that only about 10 per cent of those are the result of the economic downturn; other factors are responsible for apprentices being stood down. As for where we are going with training, I will not waste the time of the house at this stage. Suffice it to say that we will have to wait until the budget papers are handed down on Thursday. However, I will say we have made significant inroads through what we are doing by being proactive to assist workers, apprentices and trainees who have been stood down, suspended or fired. We have instituted a wide-ranging, comprehensive, effective action plan, which TAFE colleges have embraced enthusiastically. We have provided more flexibility for enrolments. We have a mobile tactical response team, which goes out to employers and industry to ensure that we are assisting those who are most affected. We have improved governance arrangements for TAFE colleges and financial assistance for out-of-trade apprentices for group training organisations, and I could go on. I will not make a ministerial statement. Suffice it to say that I acknowledged the media statement from Hon Eric Ripper but, no, we will not be implementing Labor’s policy. We have our own.
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