TAFE SA

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:40): A further question to the Minister for Higher Education and Skills: will the minister direct TAFE to commission a thorough independent audit of its training and certification under her powers provided in part 2 of the Public Corporations Act 1993?

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Higher Education and Skills) (14:40): ASQA undertakes that role and, indeed, is working with TAFE at present, or has been until very recently. There is no evidence to me that there is a gap that is not being managed by ASQA and by the various professional bodies, including, as we have canvassed, CASA. Absent any evidence that there is a problem with the accrediting and authorising environment, I don't see the need to use additional powers. However, should something come to my attention that requires additional work then absolutely I can still investigate those powers.