ABILITIES FOR ALL PROGRAM

The Hon. P.L. WHITE (Taylor) (16:59): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P.L. WHITE: Yes, I could ask many questions, but the question I ask today is: what is the government doing to support skills development for people with a disability?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling) (16:59): I will not take that long.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: You want me to? Last week, I had the honour of helping to present certificates to graduates at the 2007 Abilities for All Program. I might add that I was accompanied by many members from both sides of the chamber, as well as our federal colleagues. It is an outstanding program which involves a partnership between Bedford Industries and DFEEST. It had its beginnings in 2004, when a pilot was established to provide members of the Bedford Industries workforce with the chance to participate in nationally accredited training provided through TAFE SA. I must also acknowledge my appreciation for the support of the Minister for Disability (Hon. J. Weatherill) who has worked closely with me as this program has continued to grow.

I also wish to commend—as I know those who attended last week would also—Bedford Industries for its role in providing leadership to a consortium of members from the disability employment sector to ensure that the Abilities for All Program has grown from strength to strength. Students from across the state have participated in a variety of courses ranging from Certificate I to Certificate III level. These courses have included areas such as business, engineering and horticulture. In the first year, 54 people participated in this program.

In 2006, the number rose to 120, and last Thursday over 200 successful participants were recognised for their achievements. It was recorded by interstate visitors that not only is this the largest ever TAFE graduation for people with a disability in Australia, if not the world (and most likely the world), but it is also putting South Australia at the forefront in respect of the way in which persons with disabilities are undertaking accredited courses, and hence gaining employment. Among those who graduated last week, 165 achieved Certificate II qualification, 11 students gained Certificate III, and two students received Certificate I in engineering. All other students received a statement of attainment. Last week, it was also my great pleasure to announce that funding for this vital program will continue this year, with the state government entering an agreement to invest $1 million in 2008 towards this extremely successful program.

Apart from the development of specific occupational skills, the Abilities for All program provides opportunities for participants to further develop their life skills as well as their literacy and numeracy skills, these being very important elements in the strategy to assist them to find rewarding and sustainable jobs. Abilities for All is an outstanding program that makes a tremendous contribution to the state government's goals of economic development and social inclusion, and I know also that it is a program that enjoys bipartisan support.