Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

It is a very important question, because of course the Green Army project, whilst delivering practical environmental benefits, is also skilling young people with a sense of work culture and with practical skills. In fact, young people are paid a competitive allowance whilst receiving extensive training through participating in the Green Army Programme. All participants receive a certificate I or II through their training, as well as mandatory work health and safety and first aid training. These are all, of course, practical skills and recognised qualifications that they can take while they look for work beyond the Green Army participation. But perhaps most importantly, as with other government programs like Work for the Dole, they also get the culture of participating in a work program—the discipline of attending and participating in this work program. So they get the training as well as the practical work experience to take the next step in their lives.