Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:08): The Allan Labor government is committed to enhancing support, safety and fairness for apprentices and trainees across Victoria. We know too many apprentices have faced unsafe work practices, inadequate training, bullying and bad workplace culture. That is why we established the apprenticeships taskforce, who have released their report into Victoria’s apprenticeship system. This morning I joined the Treasurer to announce the government’s official response to this report, along with a $9 million package of supports. I was also joined by Sharan Burrow, the chair of the taskforce, and Amanda Threlfall from Trades Hall. The apprentices who were there were Audrey, Lucas, Jess, Lucy and Ben, and there were a whole raft of organisations connected to the apprenticeship system. I thank all the members of the taskforce for their work and all apprentices and trainees who contributed to the report. Today was the culmination of years of work of advocacy and, most importantly, of cooperation between unions, employers and the government. This package will establish a single one-stop shop help desk service for apprentices, trainees and employers.

We have also announced a new mental health program, and it will be an adjunct to the employee assistance program. Helping apprentices navigate the challenges that they face in their personal and professional lives, the taskforce and our response to its recommendations demonstrate our commitment to supporting Victoria’s 77,000 apprentices and trainees. We are doing this because we understand that vocational education and training is an engine that improves economic and social equality. More importantly, this Labor government understands that apprentices, like all workers, are people – people with lives, hopes, families and dreams that deserve respect, safety, security and dignity. Only a Labor government will take action to improve fairness, safety and respect for apprentices.