Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Education, Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for First Peoples, Minister for Women and Gender Equality) (13:19): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to provide for a new regulatory scheme for apprenticeships and traineeships and in relation to the permission-to-teach scheme and school community safety orders and to amend the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria Act 2020 to provide for the appointment, functions and powers of the apprenticeship and traineeship commissioner and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (13:20): May I please request a brief explanation of the bill?

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Education, Minister for Skills and Training, Minister for First Peoples, Minister for Women and Gender Equality) (13:20): You certainly can. The Education and Training Reform Amendment (Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Schools and Other Matters) Bill 2026 will strengthen protections for Victoria’s apprentices and trainees, introduce a new statutory principle and strengthen protections to ensure Victorian schools remain safe places of learning and work.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.