Apprentices and Trainees

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:40): I ask the minister: how can the federal budget explain the decline in commencements when the commencements are down to the lowest level since 2009?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:40): I have already answered that question. I have indicated that the trends were across the nation in the June quarter, that every jurisdiction resulted in a decline. As I said, we have had—

The Hon. S.G. Wade: I am not talking about June quarter stats, I am talking about 12-year stats.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wade, let her answer.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: —a billion dollars of apprenticeship incentives ripped out of our system.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Brokenshire, supplementary.