Andrew Giles
Scullin · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“We've got to continue to boost supply, and that's why we're investing so heavily in enabling infrastructure—the nuts and bolts, or, in this case, more the pipes and the power—to unlock 65,000 new homes, while maintaining incentives for new housing construction and for workers to do that work, too.”
“I'm so pleased to see that $37.4 million has been invested to continue upgrades along Donnybrook Road, cutting congestion and improving the flow of traffic for motorists in Melbourne's outer northern suburbs—less time on the road; more time to enjoy at home.”
“Today, I reflect on the Albanese government's budget handed down just last month—in particular what it means for the communities I'm so privileged and proud to represent as the member for Scullin.”
“We see in these conversations how our Labor government has been listening and using the opportunity and the obligation we have as the national government to make Australian lives better.”
“This builds on the work that we've done to make the cost of medicines cheaper, bringing PBS medicines down to a maximum cost of $25, or $7.70 for concession card holders.”
“That responds to a message that's been delivered to me very directly from young people right across the northern suburbs—younger people who might be renting or still living at home, saving up for a first home of their own—and from their parents and their grandparents, who worry that their kids won't be able to reach the milestone that the…”
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“On this side of the House, everyone backs free TAFE 100 per cent. but we know that those opposite are against free TAFE. In fact, it might be the only thing they agree on. They say, too, that they're the voice of regional Australia, yet, despite the fact that regional communities represent more than one-third of all free TAFE enrolments, they stand against it and, more than that, they talk down to those Australians benefiting from free TAFE. The Leader of the Opposition said of free TAFE last year: 'If you don't pay for something, you don't value it.' Then, last month she flagged that free TAFE is still on the coalition's chopping block. She said that it drains resources. Just yesterday, the member for Cook said our free TAFE program is, and I quote him, 'virtue signalling'.”
“A student in Queensland now can save $15,000 on a Diploma of Nursing; a student in Western Australia can save $3,500 on a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; and a student from Broadmeadows, in the member for Calwell's electorate, can also save up to $15,000 on doing their cert IV building and construction diploma. As I announced last week, there have now been around 190,000 course completions. That is, of course, more people to build the homes that Minister O'Neil is working towards. It's more Australians to care for those unwell, and also for our youngest and our oldest, Australians. The member asked me about how Australians have responded to free TAFE. Well, on 3 May, Australians voted to back free TAFE, and hundreds of thousands of Australians are voting with their feet to enrol in free TAFE courses.”
“I thank my friend the member for Calwell for his question. He gave an extraordinary first speech in this place, and he's carried on exactly where that left off. In his electorate, too, there has been extraordinary support for free TAFE, a commitment that we took to the 2022 election and which we have delivered. Free TAFE is breaking down the barriers to students getting the skills they need for jobs that we need doing. Since the program started, we have seen 685,000 free TAFE enrolments. That's hundreds of thousands of Australians benefiting from free TAFE, saving on the cost of their courses and getting skills that we need that often before simply weren't affordable.”
“Similarly, my friend Kishore held an extraordinary event in bringing together a wonderful Dusshera Mela—more than 10,000 people gathered together to celebrate this extraordinary festival, which celebrates good prevailing over evil. It's recently been Father's Day, and there was no better way to celebrate that event than at the Circolo Pensionati Italiani Di Bundoora Festa Del Papa luncheon. There was wonderful music, great company and a famously good lunch—it's very popular with my electorate staff. It is a wonderful event, and I extend my thanks and deepest appreciation to Antoinette and all in the Pensionati for inviting me along.”
“I'm thinking about the Whittlesea Carnival of Connections, a fantastic celebration of food, dance, colour and connection. It was a powerful display of unity—something so important right now—with a clear message that we are stronger together. My thanks go to Gurinder, Amrita and the entire Whittlesea Interfaith Network for organising this event. I've also had the pleasure of joining our local Hindu community at a couple of very significant events, including the inaugural Durga Puja festival in the northern suburbs. Celebrations for this spanned five days—that's no easy feat. I want to recognise Chaman Tiwari and the rest of the organising committee for their work organising the event.”
“It was really fantastic to have, as well as the minister, representatives from so many organisations, including Services Australia, Dementia Australia, St John Ambulance, DPV Health, Whittlesea Community Connections and the Whittlesea U3A, who talked and listened to people to help make the journey easier. I want to thank Minister Rae for joining me and speaking with the locals, listening so attentively to their concerns, paying respect to their experiences and taking on board the feedback they shared about their experiences and their aspirations for a system that gives every older Australian the dignity they deserve in later life. I also want to highlight at this time some of the incredible cultural activities that have been taking place across the northern suburbs.”
“I think we all know that navigating the aged-care system can sometimes be overwhelming for older Australians and for those who care for them too. With that in mind, the Albanese government has been working, since it was first elected, to support older Australians to understand all of the options and to make choices that are right for them in all of the circumstances that they face. With that in mind, last month I hosted a forum in my electorate of Scullin to bring together residents with local support services and to hear from the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. I was very pleased that around 200 locals filled the Barry Road Community Activity Centre in Thomastown to hear from Minister Rae, who came and spoke about the once-in-a-generation reforms that our government is delivering to aged care.”
“But, in place of the division, dysfunction and denial over there, the Albanese government will continue to deliver the clean energy skills Australians need, the clean energy jobs Australians want and the clean energy transition that will set Australia up for the future.”
“The Leader of the Opposition said only a few years ago, 'I think the net zero by 2050 aim is perfect.' 'Perfect', she said, but not to those sitting beside her, because let's not forget the coalition's first bill of this term was to abandon net zero. That's not perfect. While our government is delivering opportunity for Australians in clean energy, they're fighting amongst themselves about whether or not to even believe in climate change. Let's be clear about this: abandoning climate action isn't just reckless for our economy. It's reckless for our environment and it's reckless for jobs. It means slamming the doors shut for people like Jaz, Sayed and Siobhan.”
“So far, the program has seen a retention rate, at the 12-month mark, of 85 per cent, making a real difference and opening doors of opportunity to pre-apprenticeship students like Jaz and Sayed, who I met in Box Hill TAFE with the member for Menzies and who are benefiting from free TAFE, and to students in communities like Gippsland, where I met Siobhan, a qualified electrician blazing a trail for others— in Gippsland, Member for Gippsland. We know that the Leader of the Opposition thinks that if you don't pay for something you don't value it. That's her track record on free TAFE. But, fortunately, she does back net zero by 2050, or she did.”
“Of course, this includes our fantastic New Energy Apprenticeships Program, a program which has already seen more than 13,000 people pick up the tools and begin their path to become tradies in new energy, with the help of $10,000 incentive payments over the course of their apprenticeship to help with the cost of living now and to help with completing their qualifications. These thousands of tradies will ensure our renewable energy infrastructure can be built, maintained and sustained to service Australia well into the future in automotive trades, in plumbing and in electrical trades—training Australians to build our future.”
“I thank my friend the member for Aston for her question. Like all of us on this side of the House, she understands how critical it is that Australia makes the most of the opportunities of net zero and, in particular, the opportunities to upskill and work in the clean energy economy. The Albanese government has had a clear focus on delivering opportunities for Australians, for communities and for the economy and on how we can ensure that Australians in every corner of the country can access the skills they want for the jobs we need in our growing clean energy sector.”
“I think we need to find ways to disagree better to reflect on the fact that, while there may be things that we disagree about, this is not necessarily a terrible thing. We need to find ways to ensure that every person is respected, not every idea. In this place, I will do my best to live up to that in this term of parliament, representing the wonderful people of the Scullin electorate.”
“As I stand here, I remain deeply concerned about the rise of reactionary and authoritarian forms of populism here in Australia and around the world. I think about the awful circumstances in the Victorian high country right now—two police officers who lost their lives, the community terrified. I think about all the manifestations we have to think about that pose a threat to the physical safety of community members and, more broadly, how we are part of a global community. I recognise that in tough times it's always tempting to find easy answers to complex problems—or worse, to look to blame the other rather than seek to come together to take responsibility. This is about something more than the policy choices that legitimately separates us in this place. It goes to how we conduct ourselves and our political actions.”
“I think of her standing here and am filled with an immense sadness for all those who loved her and for all those around her who were unable to see her recognising herself. What an extraordinary person she was, and what an extraordinary contribution she could have made. She did make extraordinary contributions, and the person that she was and everything that she stood for is something that will live on. Monika, I stand here thinking deeply of you, feeling so terribly sad at the extraordinary loss—the loss that most touches those dearest to you. I hope they can feel a sense, as I talk about Monika in this place, of the impact that she will always have through her character and her contributions. Vale, Monika. I started this contribution by reflecting on the politics pessimism and cynicism.”
“Thanks to Tori Edge, who showed me right around the length and breadth of Wollert, and showed me her passion for the work that she's done as an early childhood educator and now does in her current employment at the United Workers Union. Thanks to the wonderful Nessie Sayer. The last person I want to touch upon is Monika Janinki. Monica was an extraordinary person, and I feel so grateful to have met her and spent a lot of time with her, talking about her passion for the world, particularly for animal rights as well as for a more just society. To spend time with her, I was excited by what was going to come. She talked about new study opportunities, including in the law. Monica is not with us.”
“I can't thank everyone, but there are a few I want to recognise particularly: my good friend Emeline Gaske and all the numbers of the Australian Services Union; the extraordinary Joe Petrucci, a man for all seasons and a person of so many qualities; Amar and Chaman Tiwari, extraordinary people who seem to have more hours in the day than I think are possible based on my understanding of maths; Succetin and Perihan Unal, two absolute pillars of the Turkish community, the northern suburbs and the Labor Party, and two dear friends—to them and their family, I will always be more grateful than I can say—and the irrepressible Monique Lobosco, who has done incredible things and will do more incredible things. Thanks to Ramy Aljalil, who is a wonderful young man with so many qualities.”
“I want to recognise the incredible work of the many volunteers who really were the Scullin campaign—the people who walked with me as I doorknocked hundreds of houses, who made phone calls, who stood with me at train stations and who really lent their understanding, passion and selfless commitment, asking for nothing other than to contribute to their vision of a fairer and better society, expressed through the election of an Albanese government. Any campaign cannot be run without volunteers. I'm so proud of the volunteers that I got to work with. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
“The campaign in the Scullin electorate was not particularly shadowed by some of the incidents that the member for Isaacs touched upon, but still I think there are things we should reflect on—in particular, the conduct of a range of organisations at early-voting centres, which I am concerned about and which I hope the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will look into—so that every member of the community feels safe and welcome when casting their secret ballot. I do want to acknowledge the other candidates who contested the election and thank them for their engagement. Obviously we all reflect different world views, but our ability to talk to one another, particularly on the campaign trail, is something that is precious and a critical part of our democracy.”
“It cannot. I was pleased to be here for the contribution of the member for Isaacs, which highlighted a number of other concerning incidents which I do think, collectively, we need to look at as we think about a politics that is fit for the Australian people. There can be no place for violence and intimidation overshadowing the work of democratic representatives, the engagement of anyone in the political process and of course the fundamental need of any Australian to access government services, including through their local federal parliamentarian's electorate office.”
“My deepest thanks go to Sally, Khadija, Maureen, Monika, Steph, Cat, Amelia, Sam and Hamish. Day in, day out they are working hard to support community members, and I think particularly of the work they did to support members of our wonderful Palestinian community at such awful times. I also want to say this. For much of the last term, my electorate office had to be shut due to a number of security incidents. I strongly support the right to peaceful protest; it is a cornerstone of a democratic society. So too are the right of a worker to be safe at work and the right of a citizen to engage with their democratically elected representative. The Scullin electorate office staff were subjected to circumstances no worker should have to endure: physical threats and the denial of access to someone's workplace. This cannot be part of our politics.”
“To work with people like Lori Faraone, Henry Sherrell, Zoe Ranganathan, Kun Huang, Ben Wicks, Roman Ristovski, Laura Matheson, Justine Evesson, Emilia Hutchinson, Madison Child and Ash Grimwood has been a real privilege—seeing so many people so dedicated to making the most of the opportunities that government presents to make a contribution. I'm also incredibly proud of the work done by the team in the Scullin electorate office. I think all of us in this place know that we are nothing without the teams we work with and the extraordinary kindness, professionalism and dedication they show to solving the problems in peoples lives—often problems that seem insuperable to individuals but can be solved by the great work of our electorate office team. I acknowledge everyone's EO staff but particularly mine.”
“I think about the Advanced Entry Trades Training commitment, which recognises that there are thousands of Australians who have experience but no formal qualifications. We can do better to recognise them and enable them to work to their potential. I think about the Key Apprenticeship Program, which has been hugely successful already in clean energy and now in housing and is already opening up more doors for more people to undertake apprenticeships—a pathway to a good job and to a real contribution. I want to take this opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have worked within my office throughout my time as minister. I think about Jesse Northfield. I could not have had a better chief of staff—or the opportunity, frankly, to work with a better human being—and he was so well supported by the brilliant Alice Smith.”
“I think about the National Skills Agreement and the partnerships that enables between this government, every state and territory, business, First Nations community controlled organisations, workers and union so that we can work together to achieve our national purposes, to make sure that everyone can unlock their potential—wherever they may be, whatever their circumstances. They're accessing skills and training that will enable them to realise their ambitions so that we can do a better job at connecting their ambitions to our national aspirations so people can make contributions in fulfilling their potential. Some of the announcements we made at the last election take this to the next level.”
“I'm so pleased to see the incredible work of my friend Minister Anne Aly building on this legacy in our own inimitable fashion. In my current portfolio I continue to witness how decisions that we make in national government can change people's lives for the better and change our communities and change our country. It makes me so proud—thanks to your vote and the member for Makin's vote, in particular—that free TAFE is now permanent, opening more doors for more people that would have otherwise stayed shut. Australians are now gaining skills they want for jobs we need, because we value TAFE.”
“It was a pleasure to be part of the work which led to the Multicultural Framework Review, the first look at our multicultural framework at a national level in 50 years, building on the great legacy of Al Grassby and so many others, giving voice to so many people across the length and breadth of our nation—people very new to our country and people here for generations—and thinking of building that culture of respect and belonging that not only really makes us a great nation today but enables us to imagine how good we can be with every single voice properly heard. I want to extend my appreciation to the panel members there—Hass Dellal, Nyadol Nyuon and Christine Castley—for the extraordinary work they did in enabling so many people to be heard who would not otherwise have been heard in this place.”
“I was pleased to be able to work with unions and workers to make reforms ending the exploitation of migrant workers, benefiting all Australian workers, and to be part of work led by Minister O'Neil on a migration strategy, building a migration system that is fit for our national purpose, not something that is neglected, as was the case for a decade.”
“Another thing that really mattered that I think I was able to play a small part in was ending some unfair restrictions on residency pathways for temporary skilled workers and, of course, thousands of recognised refugees—20,000 of whom are now permanent in their connection to Australia and, again, able to make their contributions after a decade of waste of potential, of waste of their lives and of cruelty for cruelty's own sake. I was also able to see changes to citizenship, dealing with backlogs and enabling more people to become full members of our community and fully realise their contribution.”
“I think about, in particular, with Kristina in mind, the decision made within weeks of coming to government to finally enable the return of the Nadesalingam family to their home in Biloela. This was a really important moment for our country as the nation and, indeed, the Biloela community came together. It's wonderful that Nades, Priya, Kopika and Tharnicaa are continuing to build their lives and build their contribution to our country in their home with certainty.”
“As then minister for immigration and as current minister for skills and training I've had an extraordinary opportunity to change lives and change our country. I want to briefly reflect on that. To carry out, in the first instance, our government's commitments to replace cruelty for cruelty's sake with policies that were fit for purpose and consistent with who we are as a multicultural nation that has really been built by immigration was extraordinary. In that, I want to recognise the work, in the lead-up to the last election, of my friend Kristina Keneally—the work that she did as the shadow minister for home affairs and the work that I was able to continue, together with my friend Minister O'Neil.”
“I'm really looking forward to seeing this come through and, of course, to some other really critical initiatives. There are just two I want to highlight: the facility upgrades at the offices of the Board of Imams Victoria in Thomastown, as well as a really important upgrade supporting the incredible work of Turbans 4 Australia. The work that's being led and the way in which it's being led by my friend Amar Singh is truly wonderful. That's right around the country but, most importantly, in Melbourne's northern suburbs. I want to briefly touch on some of the privileges I've had in the current and over the former parliament, particularly in the roles that I've served in thanks to the Prime Minister—firstly, as then minister for immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs.”
“These hubs will support local TAFE and university students to attain their qualifications, but they will also inspire the next generation, as high school students can see, feel and touch that next step in their journey. I'm also really proud to be part of a government that's delivering a $4.5 million investment to revitalise the Nick Ascenzo Reserve in Thomastown. The funding is going towards a new multipurpose sports court, a scooter and BMX loop and upgrades to the existing playground. I've been speaking to local residents and also parents from Thomastown East Primary School, just over the road, who expressed their optimism for the suburb and what this investment means for them, for their families and for a more cohesive, more active and more connected community.”
“Another thing that really brings me great joy is the progress towards the opening of the Epping study hub, which will provide student support and campus-style facilities and bring university and TAFE closer to home and closer together, because we know that where you live can be a barrier to continuing an educational journey. That's why we've delivered these hubs. The one in Epping is paired with the one in Broadmeadows—and a shout-out to my good friend the new and excellent member for Calwell, Basem Abdo. I've really enjoyed sharing your journey through a difficult campaign in which you revealed many of your qualities and just a hint of the capacity you're going to bring to this place as a wonderful advocate for your communities and a contributor to the work of government.”
“Obviously, I won't be there, but I'll be thinking of the incredible staff for the impact they have there in the urgent care clinic itself and, of course, in the women's health specialist services that are offered there as well. I think about those people who've faced some unexpected moments and needed access to a nurse or doctor for themselves or for their children. The clinic receives 37 visits a day, with doctors and nurses working hard to keep our community healthy. This is not only access to local urgent care but access to free health care when people need it.”
“Our government recognises this, and, to help ensure communities can continue to do this work, we've supported nine community language schools through grants to strengthen social inclusion and an ongoing connection to language, which is so vital. One of the issues that have been raised constantly with me in my time in this place is the importance of access to health care, and I am so thrilled about the Epping urgent care centre and the impact it is making every single day. The clinic has now seen more than 13,000 visits since it opened, and I wish a happy birthday, on Monday, to everyone involved at the Epping urgent care clinic.”
“Three schools in my electorate have benefited from funding through this program: Norris Bank Primary School in Bundoora for new playground equipment, playing equipment and shade sails; Findon Primary School in Mill Park for much-needed refurbishment of student toilets—the images that the students sent to me of the need for this really resonated with me, and I was so pleased to be able, thanks to the great work of Minister Clare, to deliver on their request; and Merriang Special Developmental School for upgrades to their inclusive play space at their South Morang campus. The Scullin electorate is a diverse place, and across the multicultural communities there is a common desire to maintain connection to culture and to language.”
“I think about the $2 million in funding our government delivered for the Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park after strong advocacy from local residents for some time. A big shout-out to everyone involved in Friends of Peter Hopper Lake for their enduring advocacy. I can now see the funding being put to work to improve the quality of the environment of the lake, with stage 2 works now well underway and expected to be nearing completion by the end of the year. Another set of funding that's made a big difference has been the Schools Upgrade Fund.”
“I recognise in saying that that I now have the privilege of representing a number of communities which are new to the electorate: parts of Campbellfield, more of Wollert and a little slice of Fawkner. So I was particularly pleased to form relationships and begin an understanding of those communities, which I look forward to representing in this, the 48th Parliament. But, of course, I'm proud to represent all of the communities across Scullin and the people who make them such wonderful places. After almost a decade of serving in this place in opposition, the opportunity to serve from the government benches after the 2022 election enabled me to advocate for and deliver on a number of local wins that I'm particularly proud of, even if in some cases people waited too long for those wins to be realised.”
“They noticed that we had prepared a policy agenda anchored in this appreciation—policies fit for purpose for the needs of Australians now and as we look to the future. I begin my contribution by thanking the voters of the Scullin electorate for again placing their trust in me and in the Albanese Labor government. It is an incredible honour to have been elected for a fifth time, and of course, more importantly, there is the responsibility and obligation to represent, advocate for, contribute to and deliver for the people of the Scullin electorate. This is my focus as a very proud member of our re-elected Albanese Labor government—a government whose ethos of leaving no-one behind and holding no-one back resonated so strongly from the very start with the people of Scullin across its length and breadth, in all its wonderful diversity.”
“On 3 May the opposition sought to harness pessimism and cynicism in a path to power that was without purpose. But people in the Scullin electorate saw through this, as did Australians right around our country. They recognised the leadership of our prime minister—his record, his character—and our plans to bring out the very best for our nation and every one of its citizens. They noticed that Labor listened, and not just to the loudest voices. They noticed that we understood the need to both keep responding to urgent cost-of-living pressures in the short term and offer hope for the future beyond that. They noticed that we were serious about the challenges holding back Australians doing it tough and about realising those wonderful opportunities that lie before us.”
“I also want to bring closer together the partnerships that our government has developed over the past three years, bringing the Commonwealth closer to our state and territory counterparts in our shared ambitions, bringing us closer to industry, to employers and to unions, to all of the stakeholders who can play a part in skilling Australia's people and in skilling Australia's future, to open the doors to opportunity and to enable every Australian to have every chance to explore all the options.”
“We also need to better recognise that learning isn't only for the young. Free TAFE is showing us that Australians of all ages are interested in skilling, whether it's for personal growth or in pursuit of a new career. Our government is determined to foster this approach, both through formal training but also through informal training in the workplace and in the community.”
“SEE First Nations is helping work towards Closing the Gap targets by removing barriers to accessing culturally safe education and training and creating deeper partnerships with First Nations organisations and communities. This week, I've outlined three key priorities that will be my focus for this term as the skills and training minister in the Albanese government: equally valuing VET, supporting lifelong learning, and strengthening the partnerships that we have already established. All of these are essential in continuing to build a skills system that's responsive to the needs of Australians and our economy, one that puts vocational education and training on an equal footing with university. Simply put, we need graduates from both sectors to meet the challenges of the coming years.”
“In her own words, she says about the course that she took in adult and community education: The course gave me not only useful knowledge but also confidence. I can now write letters to government departments by myself. It's a big step forward for me. This is a powerful story but just one of thousands, which illustrates how transformative this learning and these skills can be. They build experience, boost confidence and strengthen connections to community, enabling good careers and good lives. Importantly, our government is also investing in SEE First Nations, focusing on whole-of-community training delivery for First Nations people, by First Nations community controlled organisations working alongside training partners.”
“As part of the National Skills Agreement, the Albanese government is delivering $77 million in funding to states and territories to deliver adult and community education. Through our Skills for Education and Employment Program, we're also seeing the expanded delivery of free English language, literacy and numeracy and digital skills training, destigmatising approaches, with a 'no wrong door' policy so that more Australians, in every part of the country, can access these skills for good jobs and good lives. One story, demonstrating just how important the building of foundation skills is, is the experience I had when I met Kalamkas, in Adelaide, just a couple of months ago. She's originally from Kazakhstan.”
“This includes establishing TAFE centres of excellence to bring together the best facilities and the best trainers and skillsets to grow Australia's expertise in things like modern housing-construction methods, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The opportunity to learn new skills is one that anyone at any stage can, should and must be supported in. Our government recognises the vital role that foundation skills play in building Australians' literacy, numeracy and digital skills but also in building the confidence of Australians to enter or, indeed, to re-enter the workforce. We're living in a time of great technological change, so digital skills, including how to best harness AI, are becoming more and more important.”
“We've now more than doubled that payment so that more Australians with a disability have the opportunity to gain skills through the earn-and-learn model that is apprenticeship. Today I also want to highlight the landmark National Skills Agreement, a $30 billion investment with states and territories to strengthen and transform our VET system, ensuring access to high-quality, responsive and accessible education and training. After too long a period without a skills agreement, our government worked to deliver this five-year plan, providing certainty across the sector and embedding critical partnerships. The NSA represents a step change in terms of how we, the Commonwealth, work together with states and territories to deliver initiatives that will enable us to meet the skills needs of today and prepare for tomorrow.”
“In addition to the Key Apprenticeship Program, the Albanese government has lifted the living-away-from-home allowance for the first time in more than 20 years. If there's another indication of the neglect to which the former government subjected our skills and training system, it is the fact that some of these key payments were unchanged. The living-away-from-home allowance was last updated in 2003. Let's think about what that means for would-be apprentices in regional communities—the barrier that is presented. Even more shockingly, the payment that is available for employers taking on apprentices with a disability, which we updated this year, was last reviewed in 1998. That is neglect.”
“Over the month of July, 1,291 apprentices were approved under this scheme—450 carpenters and joiners, 370 electrical trades workers and 300 plumbers. These are, of course, all occupations absolutely essential to helping us build more homes for Australians. I think about someone like Calvin, who I met recently at Victoria University's Sunshine campus. He is absolutely loving his pre-apprenticeship course in building construction carpentry. Calvin likes to work with his hands, learns something new every week and is becoming more and more confident that carpentry is where he wants to spend his career. This Key Apprenticeship Program is another way in which we can support him and people like him to fulfil their ambitions and to make their contribution towards meeting our national goals.”
“All of these numbers are heading in the right direction, and in the Albanese government we are determined to keep driving these improvements. That's why we're delivering a range of measures targeted at getting more apprentices into the industries we need. This includes the critical areas of housing construction and new energy, where apprentices can now benefit from our Key Apprenticeship Program. The new energy stream has already seen strong interest: more than 12,000 sign-ups, introducing more apprentices heading towards the great opportunities that exist in the clean energy industry. They are helping to drive our vital transition towards net zero, a matter of keen interest to members opposite. The housing construction steam started on 1 July this year, and the early data is showing some really promising signs.”