CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Lingiari) (09:44): I rise today to speak about my recent visit back home to the Tiwi Islands. I had the privilege of attending the Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board graduation ceremony alongside Minister Andrew Giles. The event was a proud celebration of achievement, determination and opportunity, with more than 100 Tiwi graduates receiving certificates and qualifications across a range of training and vocational pathways.
Seeing so many local people recognised for their hard work and commitment was inspiring, especially for 22 of our young Tiwi College students who graduated with a certificate II in tourism and vet conservation, and ecosystems management certificates I and II, delivered by CDU and the Tiwi ranger program. Through our government's commitment to expanding Indigenous ranger programs, Tiwi College graduates have a greater opportunity to transition from education into the workforce—and it is a really important pathway.
The minister and I were delighted to spend time at Tiwi College with Principal James Faraone, members of the Tiwi Education Board, dedicated staff and students, and especially the graduates whose achievements reflect their hard work, determination and commitment to their futures. These achievements for all graduates represent more than just qualifications; they open doors to employment, further education and leadership for my people on the Tiwi Islands.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of investing in skills and training and demonstrated the tremendous potential of my mob when supported with accessible education and employment pathways. It was an honour to celebrate this success with all of the graduates, their families, trainers and supporters who have all played an important role in helping build a stronger future for the Tiwi Islands.
The attendance of Minister Andrew Giles emphasised the Australian government's commitment to strengthening skills development and workforce participation in remote communities. It also highlighted the strong commitment of Tiwi organisations and businesses to building local workforce capacity with skills and training at a roundtable, which was facilitated by the minister and I following the graduation to discuss continuing that pathway from education and training into employment.
It was great to spend those two days with the minister, taking him around the island and engaging with the community but also sitting down with young people to ask: 'What is your aspiration? What do you want to do post your training?' It was great to be with the minister because we know that training opens the door to employment.