ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Ms FOX (Bright) (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education. What role does adult community education play in the achievement of our state's strategic objectives?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling) (14:46): I thank the member for Bright for her question and her abiding interest in all facets of education. I know that the member for Bright knows, and I am sure all members would agree, that adult community education plays an important role in engaging adults in learning and developing pathways towards formal education and meaningful participation in the workforce and community life.

This is an area, coupled with others, that has the potential to maximise workforce participation and support the South Australian government's social inclusion agenda and the broader objectives of the State Strategic Plan.

It is important to note that ACE programs attracted 8,500 participants last year, and this amounts to 20,000 enrolments in a number of courses. The programs delivered 300,000 training hours, through 100 projects, into the heart of local communities for an investment of over $2 million.

We cannot underestimate the impact that ACE has on the community and on the individuals themselves. With 73 per cent of the participants being women, 15 per cent with a disability and 53 per cent from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, we can be confident of the profound impact it has.

Dr McFetridge interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Well, we are talking about adult community education being delivered in the community but, if you like, I will have a talk with you and educate you about shoemaking later on, Duncan.

I highlight the diversity of ACE providers, which come in many shapes and sizes, with different cohorts of students, varied activities and outcomes but with the key component that they are driven by a strong community focus. Therefore, adult community education is uniquely placed to re-engage second-chance learners, young people and adults at risk of social and economic exclusion who, without the benefit of community education, may not otherwise develop the capacity to share in South Australia's prosperity.

Connections to local networks, combined with the ability to offer flexible learning options based on the needs of individuals and communities, maximises the opportunities for improving literacy, numeracy and vocational skills. This approach offers vital building blocks towards meeting our workforce challenges and improving the productivity and participation of adults who sit outside the workforce or require additional skills to maintain these essential connections. That is why the government constantly monitors the delivery of adult community education programs across our state, with a view to boosting the skills of adult South Australians who are at risk of 'missing out'.

It is encouraging to see that South Australia ranks better than most other jurisdictions; in fact, we ranked second best among the states in the recently re-released 2006 ABS Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey, which reflects the government's ongoing commitment to supporting adult community education.

It is also pleasing to note that the federal Labor government has made available significant funds to encourage and support adult learners as part of its program of 450,000 additional training places. The government is committed to maximising the engagement of our adult population to meet our state's objectives of social inclusion and sustainable economic growth.