Legislative Council Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2) 53 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time TAFE SA TAFE SA The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY Legislative Council Leader of the Opposition TAFE SA The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:40): My question is to the Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills. Can the minister confirm that under the 2014 budget the number of full-time employees of TAFE was reduced by more than 500 by the 2016-17 financial year? The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council 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 TAFE SA 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): The Hon. David Ridgway full knows that staffing matters are a matter for TAFE—an independent statutory organisation. Those staffing decisions are made by their own board. Their figures are available in their reports that are tabled here in parliament. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! There are five of you trying to speak over the minister. The minister has the floor. She is answering your question. Give her the respect to be able to do that. The Hon. G.E. GAGO Legislative Council The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Thank you, Mr President. As the honourable member knows, he is welcome to refer those detailed questions to TAFE themselves.