Noarlunga TAFE

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE (15:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills some questions regarding the Noarlunga TAFE.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.L. BROKENSHIRE: My questions are:

1. Can the minister advise the house what the budget of the Noarlunga TAFE has been last financial year and in its current financial year?

2. Can the minister advise the house how many staff were employed last financial year and how many are employed this financial year?

3. Can the minister also advise the house whether it's true that there are more people putting up their hands for packages to get out of the Noarlunga TAFE than are actually now working there?

4. Can the minister advise the house how many courses have been cut at the Noarlunga TAFE over the last two years?

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) (15:53): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions. TAFE SA is an independent statutory authority. It is run and managed by its own independent board. The TAFE board is responsible for its operational matters, such as staffing numbers and distribution. It is also responsible for the budgets for its various campuses. It also is responsible for managing TVSPs and designing and managing courses and other content.

These are matters that should be raised directly with TAFE SA, so I would encourage the honourable member to contact TAFE SA and request that detailed information from them.