Media Releasde - Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency

Date published : 19  July  2012 

SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
 
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
 
Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency

The launch of the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency is a landmark day for Australia's training system. Today we take the next step in cementing the Government's partnership with industry to create the skilled workforce our nation needs. Together, we are making sure Australians are given the best possible opportunity to get the high skilled jobs of the future. I am pleased to be here with Phillip Bullock to officially launch the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency and release its first discussion paper into Australia's Skills and Workforce Development Needs. The new agency replaces Skills Australia. It will have a broader role in workforce development, give industry a stronger voice and ensure the Government's investment in training delivers the skills that industry and the economy need, in the right place at the right time. The aim of the new agency is to improve long-term workforce planning and development to address skills and labour shortages, and contribute to improvements in industry and workplace productivity. Importantly, the agency will have the ability to advise the Government to direct funding to areas of critical industry need, and will be an authority on workforce development policy. It will build on the strengths of Skills Australia, and collaborate with industry associations, Industry Skills Councils, unions and employers to ensure a shared, practical approach which meets sectoral, regional and small business industry needs.

Download and view the full ministerial statement and discussion paper (LARGE FILE FOR DOWNLOAD PDF 2.3MB)


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