QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (14:31): This workforce was neglected and undervalued by those opposite for too long. Educators loved their jobs. They wanted to stay, but too many simply couldn't afford to.

So we have worked on both sides of the problem. We're bringing more educators into the sector with free TAFE, and we're helping to keep them there with our historic pay rise. Since 2023, more than 65,000 Australians have enrolled in free TAFE early childhood courses.

Hannah, who I met recently, is studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while completing a traineeship at Werribee Children's Centre. Indeed, Hannah went to that very centre as a child. What a great story.

She's now training to become an early educator herself. This shows just what free TAFE can do. It opens doors for students and it helps build the workforce of the future too.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Tyrrell, second supplementary?