MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:23): Last week I had the opportunity to visit the new facilities of Southern Grampians Adult Education, located at the South West TAFE campus in Warrnambool. SGAE is a Learn Local provider. They deliver education and training programs for so many in the local community. These courses offer a supportive first step into training and work for adults. What is of significance is that SGAE is now located on the site of South West TAFE, and together they are working hand in hand to provide student pathways and support between the two providers. Whether it be a TAFE student who needs some extra foundation education assistance or a Learn Local student who wants to build skills to then progress to TAFE, this partnership is incredibly important in delivering a learner-focused education experience.
I was really pleased to be at SGAE for the signing of the MOU between the two providers, formalising their partnership for the benefit of learners. This is exactly what we want to see in our post-school education and training system. Providers, whether it be TAFEs and universities or TAFEs and Learn Locals, should work in partnership and not in competition to give learners the very best outcomes. And it pays off. When students study at Learn Locals and then go on to TAFE, they have a significantly higher completion rate. I want to particularly mention the outstanding leadership of Mark Fidge, the CEO of South West TAFE, and Erin White, the executive officer of SGAE. It is their vision that has made this partnership possible, and I look forward to watching this partnership go from strength to strength.