TAFE SA

The Hon. S.G. WADE (15:02): Can I take it from the minister's response that, whilst she has provided TAFE with targets, she hasn't required of them a briefing as to their strategy to achieve competitiveness?

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) (15:03): Yes, I have outlined that in this place before at length. They have outlined an extensive reform agenda that will assist them to grow the efficiencies that they need to be able to bring about a far more competitive and efficient outcome, and I have welcomed their commitment to that reform.

The reforms are certainly consistent with our WorkReady policy to help them to transition to more innovative and flexible training delivery models, and to become more sustainable and competitive in the training market. I have indicated TAFE are looking at blended training pathways, they are looking at improving the use of information technology so that they can, in fact, improve training access, particularly to country people and people who live in remote areas. They have also undergone extensive consultation which has been completed, and I understand a report pulling all that together is being compiled now and the outcome and, no doubt, recommendations from that I am expecting to receive within the foreseeable future.