QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:49): It's very good to know that Senator Smith's mother and stepfather were both proud TAFE teachers—that's how much Senator Smith believes in the TAFE system. Wouldn't it be nice to have one person over on the other side who believes in the TAFE system! The Albanese Labor government believes in the TAFE system, and we're delivering real change to ensure Australians get the skills they need to fill the jobs we need.

We're targeting investment where it will have the greatest impact and in the areas where we face our most pressing challenges, particularly housing construction. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research released new data today which tracks apprentice and trainee numbers in the 12 months to 31 March 2026. I know the opposition is always interested in the number of people completing their training, and this new data that came out today found that the number of trade apprentices completing their apprenticeships rose 10 per cent—the best result in a decade—while trade commencements are up two per cent year on year for the March quarter in what is the third consecutive quarterly rise.

In the March quarter, apprentice commencements in critical occupations saw significant year-on-year jumps: a 19 per cent increase in electrical, a 10 per cent increase in carpentry and joinery, and a five per cent increase in plumbing. The report also found a 15 per cent jump in apprenticeship trade commencements by school students. Commencements by women in construction trades were up nine per cent and in electrotechnology and telecommunications trades they were up seven per cent year on year.

These results demonstrate that the Albanese government's strategy to focus on delivering targeted incentives for apprentices and employers in priority industries is making an impact. Since coming to office, we've worked to better target government investment in apprenticeships into pathways where the apprenticeship is the primary pathway into that occupation, to ensure that investment in priority areas is balanced with spending that's focused and effective.

The Albanese government wants Australians to have the first crack at jobs available here, and that's why our government continues to invest in training and apprenticeships. The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, first supplementary?