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

On 29 May, I did what the state government has not done; that is, sat down and listened to all of these critics of their new policy in South Australia. I heard from those on this diverse spectrum, ranging right from the South Australian Council of Social Service all the way through to Business SA, who are intense critics of the new policy because it destroys choice for students and choice for employers.

I want to see both the letter and the spirit of the agreement that the state Labor government voluntarily entered into with the previous federal Labor government upheld. I am urging the state government to provide the necessary data and information to demonstrate that they are in compliance with that agreement. More importantly, I urge them to listen to the critics, listen to SACOSS, listen to Business SA and listen to the training providers; to reconsider their policy; and to give real choice that does help to lift quality outcomes, lift employer and student satisfaction and lift employment outcomes from training. (Time expired)