Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

It is important the investment effort this federal government is making is supported by the states. They run the vocational education and training systems. While we got a very strong agreement from them recently through the COAG processes, it is important they continue to invest in their training systems. As I say, we are putting in a record amount of money, but it is going to be undermined if the states do not continue to maintain their investment. That is why I am particularly concerned about the Victorian government's $300 million cut to TAFE expenditure in their recent budget. There is no point in us increasing our investment if, at the other end, the states are pulling the money out.

We are seeing redundancies, closures of courses and TAFEs making very tough decisions in Victoria. That will reduce training opportunities for young Victorians and undermine the skills efforts of this country. (Time expired)