VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:04): I thank the member for his question, and I do find it really interesting that they have a play on words with ‘saving TAFE’ given that they shut down 22 campuses and they sacked over 2000 workers and TAFEs were just hanging in…

SEELEY INTERNATIONAL

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:10): I thank the member for his question. Can I first state my disappointment and of course my heartfelt concerns for those workers and their families. As a past union secretary in an industry that was hit by job losses, I well…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WESTERN VICTORIA FIRES

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:25): I rise today, like Minister Symes, to thank our firefighters in the Grampians region who saved countless homes over the last fortnight with fortunately no loss of life. I acknowledge in particular the CFA brigades that I met on the weekend…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: FIRE AND STORM EVENTS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:17): Today I rise to commend the resilience and community spirit of our regional Victorian communities. I have seen firsthand how regional Victorians are supporting each other following the horrific storm event and fires on 13 February. Last weekend I had the opportunity…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: LEARN LOCAL AWARDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:32): I rise to inform the house that nominations are open for the 2024 Learn Local Awards. Our Learn Local providers are truly incredible. Over 200 grassroots community organisations right across Victoria are delivering essential pre-accredited training. From English to maths, digital skills…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:56): On another note, I congratulate Warrnambool writer Rachel Morton, whose fiction novel Panajachel won the prize for an unpublished manuscript at the recent Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. I congratulate all who have received awards and thank them for their ongoing contributions…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:54): Today I rise to congratulate 28 constituents in Western Victoria who have been recognised for their outstanding service to our community in January’s Order of Australia awards. Foremost amongst them is the late emeritus professor William Hugh Sawyer of Point Lonsdale, who…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: REGIONAL HOUSING

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:47): The Allan Labor government is delivering worker accommodation in regional communities where it is needed most. Recently I visited the Koroit caravan park, which has seen five new cabins constructed under the Koroit worker housing project. As I understand it, there…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: EDUCATION FUNDING

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:33): As the academic year begins today, I joined the Premier at Swinburne University to talk about the availability of free TAFE courses and degrees in nursing and education. Whether it is through TAFE or university, students who want to make a…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: PIPPA MACPHERSON

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (10:09): I rise today to congratulate Pippa Macpherson on taking out the Apprentice of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Employment Network Apprentice Training Awards last Wednesday. Pippa is a phenomenal young person who I have had the pleasure of meeting on…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TRAINING AND SKILLS

IERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:19): 2023 has demonstrated the power and purpose of Victoria’s TAFE and training sector. This was absolutely on show at the recent Australian Training Awards, Apprentice Training Awards and Learn Local Awards, where the variety and depth of training and skills in…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TINY TOWNS FUND

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:32): I rise today to inform the house that the $20 million Tiny Towns Fund is now open for applications. Last week I visited Talbot, in our historic goldfields region, to launch Tiny Towns at the local arts and historical museum. Marion, the…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: PRUE ARCHER

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:48): On another note, I also congratulate Prue Archer, recipient of the 2023 Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship. Prue’s great passion is dairy farming, including the science of artificial insemination and ultimately farm management. This talented young farmer will use…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:47): I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the winners and finalists of the 2023 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. Several of my constituents, outstanding principals, teachers and schools have been recognised for their important work in improving schools and supporting students to…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WODONGA LOGISTICS PRECINCT

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:34): The Allan Labor government is creating jobs and growth in regional Victoria by investing in what each region does best. Supported by the regional development portfolio, the new Wodonga logistics precinct is strengthening the role of Wodonga as a crucial road…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:24): I am so pleased that a new-era skills and TAFE system is now a reality. Last week I was joined by Premier Allan and Minister O’Connor at Bendigo Kangan Institute Docklands to see and hear firsthand how the new skills agreement…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: BIRREGURRA MEN’S SHED

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:48): Recently I had the pleasure of joining the Birregurra community in celebrating their brand new men’s shed. As we are all aware, men’s sheds strengthen the fabric of regional communities and play a vital role in men’s social and emotional wellbeing.…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: MILDURA

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:18): I recently met with many people and organisations in Mildura. I went there to listen and to see firsthand how this government works in partnership with many communities in this region. Because this government listens and responds, we invest in culture…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: SKILLS PLAN

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:16): Last week I launched the second annual Victorian skills plan. It reinforces that Victoria continues to set the benchmark for skills and training in Australia. We are the national leaders in reform. We are building and uniting the system. We introduced…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:12): This morning Minister Blandthorn and I visited the fabulous staff and children at the Gowrie early learning centre in Carlton to announce eight grants of more than $6 million to support, develop and upskill early childhood educators. The government’s Best Start, Best…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: NATIONAL SKILLS AGREEMENT

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (14:56): I am delighted to advise the house that last night I signed the new five-year National Skills Agreement with the federal government, securing $3.1 billion for Victoria’s TAFE and training sector. This deal will create even more opportunities for Victorians to be…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: KEN SAUNDERS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (09:40): Today I rise to pay tribute to the life of Ken Saunders, a Gunditjmara man who passed away on country in Heywood in August. Ken Saunders’s path in life from being an early school leaver at Lake Condah Mission was extraordinary,…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:35): It is an enormous honour to continue the work of strengthening skills and Victoria’s TAFE system in regional Victoria and right across the state and to have been appointed on Monday as Minister for Regional Development. I care deeply about Victoria’s…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:35): I would like to raise the issue of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for a great career, and once qualified, we have a community of skilled professionals who underpin the prosperity of Victoria. I am proud that this government does…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TRAINING AND SKILLS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:18): Victoria was the epicentre of training and skills this month. We were proud to host the WorldSkills national championships right here in Victoria. Many school students got to witness not only the incredible skills of our young students,…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TIMBER INDUSTRY

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:32): The Andrews Labor government is working hard to support the forestry sector through the native timber transition. We have listened to the support needs of timber workers, contractors, employers and communities, just as we said we would. We…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: SHEEPVENTION

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:56): I rise today to congratulate the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society on holding a very successful Sheepvention 2023. It was great to see this iconic rural expo is returning to its pre-COVID role, with excellent crowds. It draws…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: BANEMORE HEREFORDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:57): On another matter, I also had the opportunity to visit Banemore, a property run by progressive farmers Jonathan Jenkin and Jo Vigliaturo. This second-generation farming venture in Herefords and sheep is in many ways an exemplar in taking…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: SOUTH WEST TAFE

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): Free TAFE has changed lives throughout Victoria. It has provided quality education and skills and training so that people get the qualifications for a great career. This was absolutely on show when I recently visited South West…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: SOUTH WEST TAFE

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): Free TAFE has changed lives throughout Victoria. It has provided quality education and skills and training so that people get the qualifications for a great career. This was absolutely on show when I recently visited South West TAFE…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AUSTRALIAN GRAINS GENEBANK

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:05): I am pleased to update the house on how the Andrews Labor government is supporting our agriculture sector to meet the challenges of a changing climate. Recently I had the pleasure of being in Horsham to announce a…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: DRINK VICTORIAN

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:39): Victoria makes some of the best drinks in the world. Last night I was delighted to host Drink Victorian, an event promoting our fabulous drink producers. The Drink Victorian program supports venues to increase their range of…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN TOURISM AWARDS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:44): I rise today to congratulate four towns in western Victoria who are among 17 finalists in the Victorian Tourism Industry Council awards: Ballarat, Warrnambool, Koroit and Aireys Inlet. Last week Ballarat in the top tourist town category and…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: ANIMAL WELFARE

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (14:14): Animal welfare is a priority of the Andrews Labor government. That is why over the last month we have delivered Victoria’s first ever pet census to help shape the future of animal welfare and ensure pet owners…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: DAIRY INDUSTRY

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:22): I rise today to highlight the remarkable achievements of two groundbreaking dairy research programs, DairyBio and DairyFeedbase. These programs were established through a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, Dairy Australia and the Gardiner Foundation and have made significant contributions…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:37): I rise today to congratulate the 28 residents of Western Victoria who received King’s Birthday honours – six AMs, 20 OAMs and two Public Service Medals. As ever I am struck by recipients’ extraordinary level of volunteering in…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AGRICULTURE TRAINING

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:26): I am proud of the investment that this government makes in training and skills in the agriculture industry. We understand how important agriculture is to Victorians. Our investment is guided by strong research and sector engagement. In 2021…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: DAIRY INDUSTRY

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:47): I rise today to mark some fantastic achievements by the dairy industry in Western Victoria. Western Victoria’s great-tasting fresh milk helps to explain the outstanding medal tally at the Dairy Industry Association of Australia awards recently. Around three-quarters…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:48): Another competition that will produce outstanding results begins today at Larpent, the Victorian ploughing championships, followed by the national titles on Friday and Saturday. The Colac area has a very long tradition of hosting ploughing competitions. This week’s…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:26): Since 2014 the Andrews Labor government has invested $4 billion into TAFE, skills and higher education, and the 2023–24 budget further reinforces our commitment to quality by investing over $500 million in TAFE and the training system. This budget…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:08): I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is supporting more Victorians to train for highly skilled jobs. Recently I attended the Heidelberg campus of Melbourne Polytechnic to open their new $3.2…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TIMBER INDUSTRY

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:19): Today I would like to acknowledge the challenges faced by Victoria’s native timber workers. For three years there has not been stable native timber supply in this state due to increasing severe bushfires, sustained legal action and decisions…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AGRICULTURE TRAINING

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:15): I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is supporting agriculture colleges and our emerging young farmers, agriscientists and agribusiness owners. Recently I visited the University of Melbourne’s Dookie agriculture campus to…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: WESTERN VICTORIA REGION SCHOOLS

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:58): I rise today in Education Week to celebrate some fantastic events in my electorate marking 151 years of public education in this state. Foremost is the near completion of the new state-of-the-art facilities at the Terang College…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AGRICULTURE SECTOR SUPPORT

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (13:30): I am pleased to inform the house that the government is providing additional support for farmers impacted by the March hailstorm which impacted farmers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Yarra Ranges local government areas. This…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:40): It is such a pleasure to note the ways in which the women of my electorate of Western Victoria are celebrating International Women’s Day 2023. This electorate is larger than Tasmania and diverse in economic activity and…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TRAINING AND SKILLS

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:27): Today I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is central to national discussions about skills and training provision. Recently I was pleased to join my training and skills ministerial colleagues across states…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: LEARN LOCAL PROVIDERS

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:33): Today I would like to draw attention to the achievements of Learn Local students, teachers, providers and industry partners. Learn Locals are so important to our community. They provide skills and connect students with great opportunities, and…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: JENNIFER MACAULAY

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:38): Recently the Governor-General announced that Jennifer Macaulay of Portarlington was one of two people to be awarded the honorary medal in the general division of the Order of Australia. Jenny is a long-term resident of Portarlington. She…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AGRICULTURE SECTOR

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:13): Victoria’s world-class agriculture sector provides food, jobs and prosperity and underpins an export industry in food and drink which is renowned across the world. That is why we are committed to continued investment in the sector. We…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKFORCE

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is delivering skills and jobs for our clean energy future through collaboration and collective impact. Recently I was pleased to join the Premier and…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: FLOOD AND STORM RECOVERY INITIATIVES

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:09): Today I would like to draw attention to the incredible resilience of our regional communities and especially our farmers and growers who underpin our agricultural industry. They are a community and sector who face continual challenges, as…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:48): I rise today to congratulate the 17 constituents of Western Victoria Region whose contributions to our community were recognised in January’s Order of Australia awards. Foremost is the late Archie Roach, just one of six Australians to…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (13:48): I will use the opportunity to be the Minister for Training and Skills on this occasion. I am pleased to update the chamber on how the Andrews Labor government is providing free TAFE to more Victorians. Last week…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN TRAINING AWARDS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:35): I rise today to acknowledge the 68th annual Victorian Training Awards and congratulate the winners along with all of the finalists. The Victorian Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, students, teachers, employers and training providers in the…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:21): It is a point of great pride that this government has rebuilt and united the post secondary school system. Victorians now have access to vocational education and training which is built on quality and integrity, with the foundations firmly…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS – BUDJ BIM

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: I rise today to share a wonderful success story emerging at Budj Bim in Western Victoria. There has been a long-held dream for the Budj Bim World Heritage Landscape—a UNESCO…

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:17:047:): This afternoon this house is united in mourning as we acknowledge the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For 70 years she committed herself to public service to Great Britain and the Commonwealth. She was a constant for generations and…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE GIPPLSLAND PORT OF SALE CAMPUS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:11): It was my absolute joy to visit Sale to formally open the TAFE Gippsland Port of Sale campus last week. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility is the result of outstanding collaboration between the community and the staff at TAFE Gippsland…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: SKILLS PLAN

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:06): Last week I was proud to launch Victoria’s first-ever skills plan as part of National Skills Week. I was joined by leaders in industry, training and skills, higher education and adult community education and employers at Bendigo Kangan Institute Docklands.…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: CLIMATE CHANGE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): It is important to draw attention to the exceptional work being done in the agricultural industry to tackle climate change. Recently I met wonderful leaders who are at the forefront of the design and implementation of smart, innovative and…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: SHEEPVENTION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: I rise today to report on the fantastic event that is Sheepvention. The Hamilton Spectator, on Saturday, July 30, said it so well: ‘Sheepvention homecoming’! Sheepvention is a huge annual rural…

MINSTERS STATEMENTS: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (11:52): The Andrews Labor government is absolutely committed to safeguarding Victoria’s livestock industry from foot-and-mouth disease. It is no accident that Victoria and Australia remain FMD free. We have established an emergency animal disease planning task force, and it has…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (14:10): I rise to advise the house of the leadership being shown by the Andrews Labor government and Agriculture Victoria as we prepare for the escalating threat of foot-and-mouth disease. We have established an emergency animal disease planning task force…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WORKFORCE TRAINING INNOVATION FUND

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:17): Last week I was pleased to launch a new program that will boost skills in Victoria’s electrical workforce. Through the Workforce Training Innovation Fund the Andrews Labor government is investing more than $950 000 in a pilot program for 500 licensed electricians to…

MEMBERS STATEMENT: QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: I am pleased and proud to acknowledge the 27 members of Western Victoria whose contribution has been recognised in our most prestigious awards, the Order of Australia. These Victorians encompass extremely varied fields,…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: VICTORIAN TUNNELLING CENTRE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07): On Monday I had the privilege of welcoming the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and the federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, to the world-class Victorian Tunnelling Centre at Holmesglen TAFE, which is a great example of collaboration between the Metro…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:25): Today I am very pleased to advise the chamber that Victoria will host the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships. WorldSkills is the nation’s largest trades and skills competition and gives hundreds of apprentices, trainees and students the chance to showcase their talents across…

APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT 2022-2023) BILL 2O22

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:34): I also add my voice in thanking all of the staff here at Parliament and back in our electorate offices for the work that they do day in and day out. I would encourage anyone that is listening that has not actually…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: BANNOCKBURN FOOTBALL AND NETBALL CLUB

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: Last week I had great pleasure in joining the member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, in making an important announcement in Bannockburn that will make such a difference for the community and especially for…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE GIPPSLAND

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:23): I would like to highlight another outstanding development in the support of TAFE students and regional communities that occurred last week at TAFE Gippsland, Lakes Entrance. This campus is home to a state-of-the-art marine research and education centre. It focuses on providing training…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: CHISHOLM INSTITUTE, DANDENONG CAMPUS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:59): Recently I visited the Chisholm TAFE campus in Dandenong, where I was joined by the great member for Dandenong and a great minister, Gabrielle Williams, to open the new trade centre and student support hub, thanks to a $7.4 million investment by the…

VICTIMS OF CRIME (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME) BILL 2022

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:43): This is the most significant reform to financial assistance for victims of crime in over 50 years. I will detail responses to many of the matters that have been raised; however, it is important to note that the government will work with victim-survivors…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:28): Today is an important day, National Sorry Day, a day when we acknowledge the strength of stolen generations survivors. It is a day to ensure that we never lose sight of the importance of healing, focusing on strong future and the significance…

AGRICULTURE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2022

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:19): I thank members for their contributions on this bill so far, which will support Victoria’s agriculture industry and help safeguard food security, food safety and access to export markets which are vital to the state’s economy. Ms Bath discussed some questions which have…

MEMBERS STATEMENT: PORTARLINGTON FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: This week Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club are hosting their inaugural Indigenous round, during National Reconciliation Week 2022. The AFL of course celebrates a Dreamtime round each year, where players wear unique jumpers and…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: APPRENTICESHIPS VICTORIA

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:23): I am incredibly proud to update the chamber on the important role that Apprenticeships Victoria plays in supporting apprentices and trainees to achieve qualifications that are a career passport for life. This government is absolutely committed to ensuring that apprentices and trainees…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: AUSLAN TRAINING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:57): This week is Education Week, and I am proud that the Andrews Labor government has committed to access and inclusion in education, training and skills. Last week it was my privilege to attend RMIT to announce the diploma of Auslan and the…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: POLICE NUMBERS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:05): Last week I was proud to announce more than $1 million to be awarded by the Regional and Specialist Training Fund to Victoria University’s policing recruitment pathways course. This important investment builds on the extremely successful Victoria Police diversity recruitment program which supports…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:21): I recently had the pleasure of travelling to Swan Hill, where I met students, teachers and staff at Murray Adult Community Education, who deliver training to Swan Hill locals and the broader regional community. I was really impressed with what I saw…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:21): I recently had the pleasure of travelling to Swan Hill, where I met students, teachers and staff at Murray Adult Community Education, who deliver training to Swan Hill locals and the broader regional community. I was really impressed with what I saw…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: PETER NOONAN

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:46): Today I rise to pay tribute to Professor Peter Noonan, whose leadership in policy design in the higher education, training and skills system led the way for transformational reforms in Australia. His commitment and sharp insights always put the student at the…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: UNIVERSITY AND TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:30): As Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education I am focused on ensuring that universities and the VET sector work in unison to deliver the research to create new industries and provide the highest quality training in skills to…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: UNIVERSITY FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:04:214:): Today I am proud to advise the house of the leadership taken by Victorian universities in research and development. This has been made possible by the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund. Today I announced $17 million of funding to support 12 Victorian…

MEMBERS STATEMENT: SOPHIE MOLAN

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: On another note, how fantastic it is to see leadership from young women like Terang’s Sophie Molan, who has joined her family business to work in quarries driving 50 tonnes of earthmoving machinery.…

MEMBERS STATEMENT: BACK TO BACK THEATRE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: It is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate Geelong’s Back to Back Theatre for an outstanding accomplishment on the world stage, winning the International Ibsen Award. Back to Back’s ensemble…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: GEELONG TRADES TRAINING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:05): I am pleased to update the house on how the Andrews Labor government is building world-class training facilities in Geelong. Last week it was great to announce a $2 million investment at the Gordon’s East Geelong campus to build new plumbing and carpentry workshops.…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT SAFETY

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:06): Yesterday the results of Universities Australia’s 2021 National Student Safety Survey were released. It is deeply concerning and an indictment on our society that sexual harassment and gender discrimination still occur at universities throughout Australia. The results reinforce the distressing fact that students,…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE GIPPSLAND MORWELL CAMPUS

MS 23TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:18): I am incredibly proud to update the chamber on how TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus is better than it has ever been because of the investments made by the Andrews Labor government. Our government is absolutely determined to give Gippsland locals access to…

MEMBERS STATEMENTS: MARYBOROUGH EDUCATION CENTRE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021: I’m very pleased to report that last week I visited a fantastic example of a modern, inclusive educational precinct—Maryborough Education Centre—that is testimony to the priority that Labor governments have always given to…

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT (ANIMAL ACTIVISM) BILL 2021

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (15:59): I thank members for their contributions today and indeed during the previous parliamentary sitting on this important legislation. I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, which recommended the measures in this legislation in their report…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:10:070:): Today I rise to talk about the Andrews Labor government’s positive plan in providing more opportunities to support Victorians to get the skills they need for the jobs that we are creating. On Sunday I was pleased to join the Premier and the…