BOOST CAREER EXPO

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (15:20): I rise today to share with the house information about an excellent career expo that was held at the Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth on Sunday 2 June. This expo, called the BOOST Career Expo event, was supported and organised by the federal government through DEEWR (the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) and the taskforce that this government has supported, headed by Lea Stevens of Northern Connections and includes representatives from Holden, the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union and state, federal and local governments.

As we are all aware, with the recent announcements about Holden, this was one of the triggers for the career expo, but it was not just for people who work at Holden and their families. It was open to all who want support during a transition period in their life. As you know, this government has a very fine record on upskilling people and supporting them through our Skills for All program and they were very well represented there.

The event was opened by the Premier, Jay Weatherill. Also speaking there was the federal member for Wakefield, Nick Champion, representing the federal Minister for Workplace Participation, Kate Ellis, and the Mayor of Salisbury, Gillian Aldridge. I would also like to thank Pippa Webb, our local employment coordinator, for the time she spent coordinating the event.

The focus of this expo was 'get a boost to your career, get the right advice and boost your understanding of how to manage your money, or just give you and your family a boost'. This focus included on-the-ground career planning advice, specialist workshops and financial planning advice. To encourage families to come along there was some entertainment for kids including balloon animals (and a very impressive Lightning McQueen balloon car for my young son), colour drawings and a jumping castle.

We were very pleased at the event to hear the Premier announce a $27 million increase in skills training to assist in industry transition. The transition has a focus on advanced manufacturing, mining and mining services, premium food and wine and professional services. As a local member representing the northern suburbs I welcome this additional investment in skills and look forward to supporting my constituents as they look to upgrade their skills in various areas.

Glen Docherty, the Mayor of Playford, was a late arrival at this event. He indicated to me that he was not invited. Given that his staff run the taskforce, the event was held in the Playford Civic Centre and was advertised in our local Messenger, I find this an audacious response. Perhaps he was too distracted by being the Liberal candidate for Newland.