GAYLE TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:25): Today I would like to highlight the important work of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, NCVER. They are internationally recognised for their strategic research in education and training and their important and detailed analysis. Based in Adelaide, they were established in 1981 as an independent, not-for-profit company. NCVER is owned by the Commonwealth, state and territory skills ministers.
Recently it was my pleasure to join Blair Boyer, South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training and Skills, at NCVER. We met with chair Ruth Shean AO and managing director Simon Walker. We discussed at length NCVER’s important work and the absolute necessity for their independent analysis. They play a critical role in informing policy and practice in skills and training. They are dedicated to supporting a skilled and capable Australian workforce, which is so important for a strong economy. Their work is critical for government, training providers and industry. The breadth, independence and integrity of their research is impeccable and is critical for government to develop and implement the right policies.
I am proud that Victoria places such importance on the work of NCVER. Their research informs us and is one of the keys to ensuring that Victoria has a strong, relevant and innovative VET sector, which is underpinned by our commitment to public provision of TAFE. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all NCVER staff for their resilience, their commitment, their passion and their professionalism.