Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) recognises that the Government's commitment to a Future Made in Australia includes pathways and access to the jobs of the future;

(2) acknowledges the Government's commitment to reach 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030 and ensure Australians are equipped with the skills needed for these jobs through;

(a) the delivery of over 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places in 2023, including in the priority areas of technology and digital, and an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places to be made available from next year;

(b) its implementation of a Digital and Tech Skills Compact to help workers earn while they learn in entry level tech roles;

(c) a diversity in STEM review to deliver a more diverse and representative STEM workforce for Australians from all walks of life;

(d) delivering Australia's first National Quantum Strategy;

(e) supporting the safe, inclusive uptake of technologies like artificial intelligence that reflect community interests; and

(3) notes the Government is committed to transforming Australian industry through:

(a) the $1.5 billion National Reconstruction Fund that will help Australia capture new, high value market opportunities; and

(b) the $392 million Industry Growth Program to support Australian small and medium enterprises to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses.

I'll start off by saying that we stand on the brink of a new era, where the future is not merely a distant vision but a tangible reality—a future made in Australia. It is a future that will be forged through innovation, driven by resilience and built on the pillars of opportunity and inclusion. This government believes in creating pathways for every Australian to access the jobs of tomorrow.

Our government is ready to support the transformative power of technology and innovation. We aim to foster an environment where 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030 become a reality, empowering individuals and propelling our economy forward. We understand the urgency of the skills crisis gripping our nation. Digital skills are essential to jobs across industries now and into the future. That's why this government announced the Digital and Tech Skills Working Group to take forward the compact, for industry, government and unions to work together. The working group outlined an earn-while-you-learn model, to support workers entering the tech industry to take on entry-level tech roles through a blend of employment and formal training, and includes how such models could support diversity in the existing tech-related workforce.

The government is considering the working group's advice. To support this progress we've introduced free-fee TAFE, bridging the skills gap to inspire and upskill Australians towards crucial sectors such as agriculture, care, construction, technology, space innovation and defence. Yet opposition voices continue to neglect the transformative impact of successful education and training. This government understands that investing in our people is an investment in our nation's future. By collaborating across sectors we're ensuring that the workforce is equipped to thrive in a digitally-driven world. We're not just creating jobs. We're fostering diversity in STEM fields, making sure the voices of women and Indigenous communities are heard loud and clear. These groups have been underrepresented for far too long.

Our National Quantum Strategy signifies our leap into the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, while responsible AI deployment demonstrates our commitment to ethical advancement—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 12:52 to 13:13

As I was saying, the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, voted against by the opposition, is our cornerstone for manufacturing. It is a foundation upon which industries will flourish, creating secure, well-paid jobs and driving economic growth. This week, with the launch of the Industry Growth Program, we welcome a new chapter for SMEs, providing the means for ideas to materialise, innovations to thrive and businesses to grow. It was this government that closed the deal on the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the US. This agreement is a big deal for the Australian space sector, for the launch sector and for supporting services like transport and logistics.

As a proud South Australian and the member for Adelaide, I've watched as this industry has grown and grown, starting with the thriving hub for space innovation in the heart of my electorate. I take every opportunity to get out there and hear about the sector from experts, with over 90 space organisations in the electorate of Adelaide. We know that, for many young Australians, space is an inspiring gateway to study and to work. That's why it was incredibly exciting that Katherine Bennell-Pegg, an employee of the Australian Space Agency, became the first Australian-born woman to represent our nation in astronaut training with the European Space Agency. Through role models like Katherine, we can encourage more of our young people to pursue STEM related careers. We're not just shaping the future; we're shaping a future made for everyone—an inclusive, innovative and prosperous Australia. The choice is clear. This government stands for progress while the opposition lingers in the shadows of missed opportunities. Let us build, let us innovate and let us propel Australia into a future where possibilities are boundless and opportunities are limitless.

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