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 Andrews Labor government. As we have done at so many TAFEs throughout the state, we have transformed tired and out-of-date facilities, which are now modern and fit for purpose and ready to deliver the most relevant, high-quality training that Victorian students should expect. The benefits are clear. This is not just about the student experience but the fact that employers will now have access to graduates who meet their needs.
The new Dandenong trade centre replaces facilities previously spread over five buildings and dating back to the 1980s. The centre provides new plumbing, carpentry and electrical training areas that simulate real-life scenarios for the best training experience. We have also updated the amenities to ensure that there are plenty of female toilets to cater for the increasing female enrolments in traditional trades, a trend which on this side of the house we are tremendously proud of. It was great to see the new facilities and meet apprentices who are really benefiting from this government’s investment in their training and their future. I do wish to give a shout-out to the great trade teachers, trainers, students and apprentices at the Dandenong campus for their commitment and drive. I am proud that the Andrews Labor government is investing in TAFEs right across the state to ensure that Victorians have access to world-class facilities as they gain skills for not just a great job but a brilliant career.