MINING EMPLOYMENT

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee) (14:42): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Can the minister inform the house about how the government is supporting skills development in mining and associated industries?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (14:42): Yes, I can. I thank the member for Lee for this very important question. Many of us in this chamber will have seen firsthand how people who have invested their time and energy in upskilling themselves and obtaining new qualifications are much better equipped to access employment opportunities into the future. Members are well aware of the many South Australians who are taking up training opportunities in areas of projected employment growth over the coming years, and this includes opportunities to access training in areas like the mining industry.

It is no secret that mining activity in our state has grown in recent years. Since 2002 we have gone from four mines in South Australia to 21 now, and the output from local mines has grown dramatically. Over the years we have invested in education and training in mining and continue to do so. Indeed, I advise the house that in the coming year the government is investing more than $600,000 to support skills development and employment pathways in the mining sector and related industries.

Over the next year, 10 projects across seven regions in our state will help people to gain the skills they need to secure jobs in mining and associated areas. These projects will support people in communities such as Whyalla, the Far North and other regional and metropolitan communities right around the state. The program is expected to help about 230 people to gain training for jobs. This includes support for 158 young people as well as Aboriginal people, mature aged people and people with disability to develop their skills and receive mentoring and career services to give them the best possible chance to enter this important workforce.

Across these 10 projects the government is working with the private sector to ensure the training and pre-employment support is directly connected to the practical needs of the mining industry and allied business and industry areas. This investment is another example of how the state government is helping people in local communities to improve their skills for rewarding jobs while also supporting business and industry in areas of strategic priority.