Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Innovation and Skills. Does the minister believe that spending $34 million for the creation of 115 extra apprenticeships is good value for the South Australian taxpayer?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI (Unley—Minister for Innovation and Skills) (14:36): Good news from last Thursday's NCVER figures: after seven years of decline of apprenticeship and traineeship numbers here in South Australia, we have an increase—we have an increase in South Australia. In the first full quarter under the Skilling South Australia program we see an increase, the first full quarter that's been reported by the NCVER. The NCVER is counting the same traineeship programs that are being delivered by this government, that were being delivered by the previous government. Nothing has changed; it's the same. What we've seen is a reversal of the decline. And how big was that decline?

Ms Hildyard: And how many have you delivered?

The SPEAKER: The member for Reynell is warned.

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: In seven years, it was 66 per cent. So, in other words—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: They don't want to hear it. They do not want to hear it because they should be embarrassed about these figures.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Point of order.

The SPEAKER: Is the minister finished his answer?

The Hon. S.K. Knoll: Shut them down overnight.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government is called to order. Is the minister finished?

The Hon. D.G. PISONI: Yes.

The SPEAKER: The minister has finished his answer, member for West Torrens. If it was for debate, he was beginning to deviate and I would have upheld that point of order. The member for Ramsay and then the member for Flinders.