Since I became Assistant Minister, I have met with many of the key stakeholders in this sector through roundtable discussions, forums and site visits. I have also had the opportunity to meet with many students undertaking vocational education and apprentices involved in training. These consultations have identified the importance of strong industry engagement and responsiveness…
DetailsNominations are now open for the 2017 McPherson Community Achiever Awards which recognise residents who make outstanding contributions to our community. Federal Member for McPherson, the Hon Karen Andrews MP says the awards highlight the great contribution volunteers make to their organisations, clubs and groups. “Australians are well known for their unwavering support and hours…
DetailsThe strengths of the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and opportunities for Australia to support Indonesia to meet its skills needs have been the focus of Ministerial talks in Indonesia this week. Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews today completed a successful visit to Jakarta after leading the Vocational Education…
DetailsIt’s my pleasure to be here for the 2017 Indonesian Australia Business Week. Looking around the room I can see representatives from government, industry and the skills training sector from Australia and Indonesia. It’s a fantastic forum for us to consider the future of Australia-Indonesia collaboration on vocational education and training. It comes at a…
DetailsI am delighted to be the adult in the room while we talk about childcare reforms. I know that I will shortly be joined by my colleagues here, as we talk about the reforms that the Turnbull government is making to child care—the most comprehensive reforms to child care. I will just start by…
DetailsI would like to inform the House about an important event coming up in my electorate of McPherson and indeed all electorates around Australia. This Saturday, 4 March, marks 100 years of Lions Clubs International, serving communities around the world, including my own on the Gold Coast. It is an ideal time to acknowledge the…
DetailsI thank the member for Gilmore for this motion, acknowledging those with a disability and those who care for a person or people with a disability. When it comes to the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, Australia is a caring nation and that fact is reflected in the work of this parliament in its efforts…
DetailsIt is my pleasure to start today by congratulating all of those students who have taken the opportunity to continue their education, whether that be through vocational education or through to universities. Congratulations! I think that in continuing your education you have certainly chosen wisely. It is true that we do have a record…
DetailsFederal Member for McPherson, the Hon. Karen Andrews, says the latest regional breakdown of unemployment figures has delivered more good news for Gold Coast job seekers. “The overall unemployment rate for the Gold Coast in January fell to 4.0 per cent compared to 6.3 per cent for the same month last year, giving the region…
DetailsAssistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and Federal Member for McPherson, the Hon. Karen Andrews, has welcomed new figures revealing a strong increase in international students numbers in Australia. “In Queensland, the number of international students rose by 8.7 per cent in 2016 with all universities recording an increase in their international numbers, including…
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