Vocational Education and Training

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:07): By way of supplementary question, has the minister had any legal advice as to whether the federal government is able legally to provide training moneys directly to private training providers outside the national partnership agreement?

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) (15:07): That is a matter for the federal government.

The Hon. R.I. Lucas interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: No, the federal government has an agreement with the South Australian government in relation to training. We have met all those requirements, and the federal government is now going to renege on it. That is what this is about. Shame on Senator Birmingham, shame on him for being prepared to walk away from a federal agreement with which South Australia has fully complied.

In relation to advice in terms of whether we have complied or not, I have sought advice. Obviously, I cannot refer to particular legal advice or crown advice, but I have sought advice and I am absolutely confident that we have complied and continue to comply—and shame on Senator Birmingham!