Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (16:57): In the short time that I have it gives me great pleasure to rise to speak to this motion before the house. I would like to start my contribution by acknowledging the importance of TAFE and, in particular, GOTAFE in Shepparton. There is no doubt that free TAFE provides many students with the opportunity to study who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do so. Since free TAFE was established back in 2019 more than 225,000 learners have taken up a free TAFE course. No-one should miss out on an opportunity for education and a career pathway. I would like to acknowledge all of my local and dedicated TAFE educators and staff, many of whom I am connected with. I have seen firsthand their incredible dedication and their commitment. I have a close friend Helen who is an early childhood educator at GOTAFE Shepparton, and I have seen firsthand how deeply she cares for her students and the support that she provides to her students. It goes beyond just the classroom. Michelle is another local educator who is deeply dedicated to her students, and it is educators like Helen and Michelle that we depend on to keep the courses running and students supported. But we must also listen to their feedback and the ways that they can be assisted and supported.
In a previous working life I was an educator for 20 years, and I know about the incredible opportunity we have to help others achieve their training goals. GOTAFE provides educational and career opportunities and is a critical education option in regional Victoria as there are many that wish to pursue their education and work opportunities close to home rather than having to relocate elsewhere, whether that be due to financial restraints or family or by choice. We must ensure that there are pathways for school leavers and mature students and, most importantly, a way forward that gives students choices and opportunities to succeed in life that suit them and meet their individual needs. We desperately need apprentices, tradies and a skilled workforce. We also depend on GOTAFE to provide ongoing training and support to local businesses and organisations to fill critical employment opportunities in trades and construction, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, health and childcare centres. The Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre in Shepparton helps meet demand for in-demand job skills like plumbing and construction. As I close in the last 10 seconds, I would also like to acknowledge the Youth Foyer, which supports students at GOTAFE. It provides housing and accommodation.
