Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I'll make a few points in relation to Senator Lambie's comment and assertion. In some instances, equipment may well last a long period of time, but, where necessary, modern equipment should be available for modern skills and training needs. TAFEs are not run by the Australian government; they are run by the states and territories. That's why, as a federal government, we provide significant funding to the states and territories. In addition to the $3 billion we spend annually, we're investing some $585 million in significant reforms in the vocational and educational and training sector. Whilst not directly funding TAFEs, that money is there for utilisation by states and territories to ensure that students have access to courses they need, and that those TAFEs or other training providers, are delivering modern courses befitting the training that people need for the future.