Vocational Education and Training

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:26): Can the Premier outline to the house when we will revert back to full contestability? What year does the government suggest that that will occur?

The SPEAKER: Revert. You do not need the back there; it is tautologous.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:26): I think I will take that question on notice. It is a matter for the line minister, but I understand that there is a transition over the next four years to full contestability. I will bring back an answer to the member, but that is certainly the intention.

It is consistent with the national agreement. It is consistent with the trajectory of reform. The point of actually having the corporatisation of TAFE, the creation of essentially a board which is heavy on private sector experience, the very substantial economies that have already been made in central administrative efficiencies and the future reform agenda which is going to go in reform is to put it in a position so that it is nimble and responsive and capable of being able to compete in a contestable environment.