Wednesday, 8 June 2022

 Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:23): I would like to highlight another outstanding development in the support of TAFE students and regional communities that occurred last week at TAFE Gippsland, Lakes Entrance. This campus is home to a state-of-the-art marine research and education centre. It focuses on providing training and assessment services for commercial maritime and recreational boating and is one of only two facilities in Australia licensed to provide industry-specific training. It attracts students from all across the country.

Last week Minister Horne launched the 12-metre catamaran Bar-ba-ka, which means ‘porpoise’ in the local Indigenous language. This is another fantastic example of delivering fit-for-purpose equipment to ensure our TAFE students learn the right skills now and into the future. Thanks to funding provided through the Regional and Specialist Training Fund, TAFE Gippsland has purchased not only a modern fit-for-purpose vessel but additional equipment that will enable training not just in maritime qualifications but in laboratory skill qualifications and training in STEM and conservation.

The importance of strong maritime training in this region cannot be overstated. TAFE Gippsland is the sole provider of maritime training delivery in eastern Victoria, and maritime qualifications deliver employment outcomes for regional employers in emergency services, public safety, oil and gas, commercial fishing, tourism and new and emerging energy, and meet the needs of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the water police and the EPA. I am proud that the Labor government has further strengthened the capacity of TAFE Gippsland to meet the needs of its region.