Page 3187 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 2013
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The staff at CIT do a great job in preparing their students for work in the ACT, and the figures published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research show that 92 per cent of CIT graduates are employed or in further study after training, compared to 87 per cent nationally. CIT graduates contribute each and every day to the fabric of our city, and it is for this reason that the ACT government is committed to the public provision of vocational education through the CIT.
The budget also provides CIT with $180,000 to conduct a feasibility study on the provision of vocational education in the south of Canberra. This study will ensure that all people of the ACT continue to gain the best access to CIT programs.
While CIT is the key public-supported training provider, some 40 per cent of its revenue comes from commercial sources, which is likely to grow, in line with other public providers across the country. Over the coming years, CIT will be working closely with ETD to implement the range of measures of the national partnership agreement on schools reform, including new implementation of the unique student identifier and the introduction of entitlement to training up to certificate III level.
It is disappointing that Mr Doszpot continues to paint CIT as an unhealthy workplace. The ACT public service commissioner has done—
Mr Doszpot: That is a load of garbage. I am trying to make you aware of what is going on there.
MS BURCH: He is nattering on in the background. The ACT public service commissioner undertook a very comprehensive review, and that report sits with him. The CIT continues to improve its practice and continues to provide quality education for those in the region.
Mr Doszpot: When is the report coming out?
MS BURCH: Take it up with the commissioner.
Mr Doszpot: That is right, you are just the minister.
MS BURCH: The report does sit with him. I should not respond to the nattering across the chamber. I do apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms Porter): Ms Burch, address the chair. Mr Doszpot, stop interjecting.
MS BURCH: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Again, Mr Doszpot spoke on fees around the graphic design course. He stood there and alleged that CIT is hiding from public scrutiny. I think it is an appalling allegation to stand here in this place and say our main public provider is, indeed, hiding from public scrutiny. And for one that claims to be a proud ex-member of the council, all I can say is that with friends like Mr Doszpot I do not know who needs their public enemies. But despite all of the negativity of Mr Doszpot, CIT remains a core part of this government and its education agenda for all our ACT community and for those in the region.
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