Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. Retraining will play an important part in ensuring that retrenched Bridgestone workers find quality, sustainable new jobs. Funding to retrain workers will be made available through the Commonwealth’s Productivity Places Program, which is delivering 711,000 new training places over five years. This includes 10,000 structural adjustment places for retrenched workers. Workers will also get additional Employment Pathway Fund credit to help them with training as part of their AISAP entitlements. They will be able to gain a certificate III, certificate IV or diploma qualification, giving them the skills to win jobs in fields where employment is growing. The Commonwealth is exploring other training opportunities with the South Australian Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology. I repeat: we will be standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers. (Time expired)