George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

There are so many of these measures. Senator Trood may need to ask me a supplementary question so I can get through them. The Howard government has established 28 Australian technical colleges in 24 regions across Australia, provided a wage top-up of $1,000 per annum for two years for apprentices in skills shortage trades, provided $500 per annum for two years for training fees for apprentices in skills shortage trades, extended FEE-HELP for people studying diplomas and advanced diplomas in the VET sector, provided up to $50,000 for training organisations developing fast-track apprenticeships, established the Australian Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, offered a tool kit worth up to $800 to Australian apprentices in occupations with skills needs—