Automotive Workers in Transition Program

The Hon. A.L. McLACHLAN (15:28): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Automotive Transformation a question.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A.L. McLACHLAN: On 17 May, in the minister's answer to a question on the government's grants program, the minister indicated that the focus so far has been on making sure that workers register for the programs that are available and that the next stage is to look at what metrics can be used to see how those programs have benefited them over time.

The Frost and Sullivan review, which the minister often praises, recommends that the ongoing program measurement and impact assessment should be implemented and that data should be obtained on quantifiable benefits to participants. I ask the minister to advise the chamber why the government has been unable to implement the recommendations contained in the report that was published two years ago.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:29): I thank the honourable member for his question. Certainly, the Frost and Sullivan review did talk about having a process of ongoing review of programs to see that they are as effective as possible, and that is certainly what the department does.

I know they regularly speak to me about a whole variety of programs that are run through DSD. I think the question harked back to the Automotive Workers in Transition Program and reviewing its effectiveness there. Still, it is the case that far and away the most important function at the moment is getting people involved in the program, but in relation to a review of that program I am happy to see where that is up to.