Statutory Authorities Review Committee: TAFE SA

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (16:21): I move:

That the report of the committee, on TAFE SA, be noted.

TAFE SA is an integral part of South Australia's vocational education and training sector. In recent years it has undertaken very structural and operational changes to improve its efficiency and contribute to the state government's two vocational education and training reform strategies: Skills for All and its successor, WorkReady.

In light of these changes, the Statutory Authorities Review Committee considered that it was timely to inquire into TAFE SA. The terms of reference for the inquiry reflected the committee's statutory functions. At this point, I would like to note that I came in very much on the end of what was considered by the Statutory Authorities Review Committee. I very much just tacked onto the end of it.

The committee received evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, including local government, registered training organisations, business groups, employers, the Department of State Development, the Australian Skills Quality Authority, TAFE SA and, of course, other interested individuals. The committee also conducted a hearing in Mount Gambier after receiving a number of concerns from the Limestone Coast region.

Throughout the inquiry, I am reliably informed, it was apparent that TAFE SA is a respected provider of vocational education and training in South Australia. Its extensive presence in regional and rural communities is particularly valued. However, the committee received a number of concerns regarding TAFE SA's role as the state's public provider and the quality, relevance and currency of its training for some industries. The committee also received concerns regarding the centralisation of TAFE SA's trade training at metropolitan campuses and the challenges that this has posed for regional students.

During the inquiry, the committee took evidence from TAFE SA and the Department of State Development regarding the implementation of the WorkReady strategy. Based on this evidence, the committee has reservations regarding TAFE SA's capacity to compete at parity with other training providers for commercial training activity within the next two years. The committee believes there should be more robust, transparent and timely consultation between the Department of State Development and key stakeholders such as TAFE SA about WorkReady's implementation.

The committee also believes that all training providers would benefit from more timely releases of the subsidised training list and greater certainty about the future scope of commercial and contestable VET funding. The committee's report contains nine recommendations for TAFE SA and the state government to consider regarding WorkReady, TAFE SA's role as a public provider, its campuses and, of course, its engagement with industry.

On behalf of the committee, and very much noting that I arrived at the very end of it, I would like to thank everyone who has provided evidence to the inquiry. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the following members who have served on the committee during the inquiry: the Hon. John Gazzola, who served as presiding member, the Hon. John Darley, the Hon. Tammy Franks, the Hon. Dennis Hood, the Hon. Gerry Kandelaars, the Hon. Rob Lucas, the Hon. Terry Stephens and the Hon. Stephen Wade. Finally, I would like to thank the committee staff for their assistance and I commend the committee's report to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. J.A. Darley.