QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:46): Thanks, Senator Polley, who I know is a big supporter of TAFE, as is the case for every Labor senator sitting in this chamber. Senator Polley, can I say happy National TAFE Day to you and to every TAFE student, graduate and teacher across Australia. National TAFE Day is an important opportunity to recognise Australia's TAFEs because without them Australia would stop.
It's a day to recognise TAFE students who are preparing to make great contributions through their future careers—the tradies, the nurses, the early childhood educators, the aged-care workers who have all gained those qualifications. Today is a day especially to thank the incredible TAFE teachers and support staff who every day open the doors of opportunity, change lives and make our country more prosperous.
Senator McAllister points out that her mother was a TAFE teacher. Senator Marielle Smith: Mine too! Senator WATT: And Senator Smith's mother!
True cred on the Labor side when it comes to supporting TAFE. This is proof that Labor is the party of TAFE. After years of coalition neglect, we're focused— Senator Duniam: What should I study?
Senator WATT: Oh, the groaning over there. They really don't like TAFE, do they? Senator Duniam, you won't be able to groan for too much longer.
It's okay. It's all coming to an end. Maybe you can go to TAFE, as part of a retraining program.
I think you'd look great in a carpenter's outfit, or maybe a nurse's outfit, or an early childhood educator's outfit. We are the party for you, offering you those retraining opportunities that you need. Senator Duniam, you'll be pleased to know that after years of coalition neglect, the Labor government is focused on making TAFE something all Australians can be proud of once again.
Under the Albanese government, we've given a commitment to rebuild vocational education and public vocational education, and that's exactly what we're doing, including through our free TAFE investments that Senator Duniam will soon take up. The PRESIDENT: Senator Polley, first supplementary?