Media Releases

Gippsland set to lead the way for tertiary education in regional Victoria

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:06:00 GMT

Gippsland is set to become a leader in the delivery of tertiary education if the recommendations of an expert panel are adopted by the state and federal governments.

Among a number of innovative recommendations the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, released today in Moe by Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall, has recommended the establishment of a network of technology enabled learning centres throughout the region.

Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon, Churchill, Warragul, Leongatha and Wonthaggi are all named in the report as possible sites for the centres. It is proposed the centres be co-located with existing university or TAFE campuses.

Mr Hall said the establishment of technology enabled learning centres had enormous potential to improve opportunities for Gippslanders.

“With state-of-the-art facilities, Gippsland students could be technologically linked to interact with other students on multiple sites all connected to a lecture delivered from Melbourne or Moscow,” Mr Hall said.

The recommendation is just one coming out of a report commissioned by the Minister to examine ways to identify immediate higher education issues within the region.

“Gippsland faces unique challenges, including a combination of low school retention rates, ageing population, distance and isolation and low higher education participation rates,” Mr Hall said.

Commissioning an expert demographic, economic and educational analysis of the region, chaired by Professor Kwong Lee Dow, Mr Hall said the report provided a holistic overview of needs specific to Gippsland and identified ways to meet these challenges to ensure the region and its people continue to thrive into the future.

Mr Hall said the report and its recommendations represented many ‘firsts’, including the first tertiary education plan for a regional area, the establishment of the first regional Tertiary Education Council – comprising of education and training providers – and the first pilot of technology enabled learning centres.

“The two most frequently raised issues in the submission process were the need for greater connections between tertiary education providers and local industry, and employment in Gippsland,” Mr Hall said.

“The education plan looks to address both these issues with a number of long-term strategies.”

The report also addresses key issues such as developing ways to improve tertiary education and training opportunities within the region, increasing skill levels and retention rates and recognising existing issues in the area.

Among the panel’s 10 key recommendations are:

·     establishing a Gippsland Tertiary Education Council to promote collaboration between existing education providers and attract other providers to deliver in areas of skills shortages and course demand;
·     that providers across Gippsland establish a common framework and language for pathways; and
·     that linkages between schools, industry, tertiary education and
training providers and Local Learning and Employment Networks be increased.

Mr Hall said the panel report also identified industries that were projected to grow in Gippsland.

“In order for industries such as agriculture, essential services, forestry, healthcare and tourism to be catered for into the future, it is important we have a coordinated approach that taps into the strengths of the region and prepares local Gippsland people with the skills they need to take
advantage of this growth,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall welcomed a recommendation for greater involvement in schools by tertiary education providers.

“I am pleased the report recommends extension programs from tertiary providers into schools to increase the visibility and understanding of tertiary education among students and help boost the wider community aspirations. I encourage all people with a stake in the future of education
in Gippsland to read the report,” Mr Hall said.

“I would also like to thank Professor Kwong Lee Dow and panel members Dr Michele Allan and John Mitchell for bringing their expertise to bear in proposing a comprehensive plan for the Gippsland region”.

Mr Hall said he was confident the report would also play an important role in addressing similar educational needs in other regional areas.

Mr Hall said he would consider the plan in detail and release a response to the report early next year.

The report is available online at www.skills.vic.gov.au

THE NATIONALS ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUNG LEADERS 2012

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:11:00 GMT

The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders will run again in 2012, Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall said today.

The scholarship will assist students from rural and regional Victoria in their chosen tertiary pathway.

While announcing the scholarship, State President of The Nationals, Mr Peter Schwarz said The Nationals were committed to ensuring that regional and rural young people continued to reach their potential through higher education and training opportunities.

“The scholarship winners will be chosen based on their academic endeavours, local leadership qualities, community involvement and their commitment to rural life,” Mr Schwarz said.

The total value of the scholarship is $5,000 which may be shared amongst one or more successful applicants.

Mr Schwarz said the Scholarship for Young Leaders had been a great success in the many years The Nationals have committed to run the bursary.

“The response from students across the state has traditionally been of a high calibre and the quality of the applications shows the strength and resilience of young people from across country Victoria,” he added.

Mr Hall said the Scholarship was a fantastic initiative and encouraged eligible students to apply.

“The Nationals are proud to support regional and rural students pursuing their tertiary studies and promoting exceptional leadership qualities from future leaders, especially those committed to the future development of regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Hall said.

The selection criteria for The Nationals Scholarship includes the applicant’s academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement. It is intended that The Nationals Scholarship be awarded to students who are intending to return to or remain in the country after their course and demonstrate a career commitment that will ultimately benefit rural/regional Victoria. Special consideration may also be given to students in hardship situations.

“I would encourage all school leavers and young people progressing with tertiary studies in 2012 to consider applying for the Young Leaders Scholarship,” Mr Hall said.

The application process will be open until February 24, 2012. Application forms can be downloaded from The Nationals website:www.vic.nationals.org.au

Advance TAFE – a new name for Gippsland education icon

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:34:00 GMT

East Gippsland Institute of TAFE in Bairnsdale has a new name to reflect its dynamic role in the region.

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall today announced Advance TAFE as the new name for East Gippsland TAFE during a visit to the Bairnsdale campus.

“Advance TAFE will continue to build on its proud tradition of educational excellence in the East Gippsland region supporting the vocational and training needs of business, industry and the local community,” Mr Hall said.

“Today’s launch is a milestone for vocational education in Gippsland and comes at an important time for the region with the development of the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, which provides for a major expansion of tertiary education and training across the region.”

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull also praised Advance TAFE for its commitment to innovation and community engagement.

“The review and design process to arrive at the new name and brand has been more than two years in the making and involved extensive consultation with around 1,500 current and past students and business and industry representatives,” Mr Bull said.

“The new corporate design reflects the vision of a dynamic, professional educational organisation focused on growth within and beyond the region.”

Both Mr Hall and Mr Bull paid tribute to the role played by the institute since it was formally established in 1986.

“This region has a rich history of vocational education and training extending over more than 100 years with the former Bairnsdale School of Mines and both the Bairnsdale and Sale technical schools. This wonderful tradition continues today with Advance TAFE,” Mr Hall said.

During his visit Mr Hall also discussed progress on the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan and a range of other government led initiatives to boost vocational education and training in the region.

The Victorian Coalition Government will make a record investment of around $1.2 billion in vocational training this year, with the figure expected to increase to around $1.3 billion in 2012.

Minister announces $3.78 million grants to local learning providers

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:50:00 GMT

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall has announced more than 80 Learn Local organisations will share in $3.78 million as part of Round 2 of the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Capacity and Innovation Grants.

Mr Hall made the announcement at the Moe Life Skills Community Centre today. The group is a recipient of two of the grants.

“Adult Community Education plays a vital role in Victoria’s education and training system and in achieving our social and economic success,” Mr Hall said.

“In the coming days more than 80 Learn Local organisations across Victoria will be notified of their success in gaining funding worth $3.78 million.”

The ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants help Learn Local organisations, including neighbourhood and community houses, develop new programs to boost participation and learning.

“I am particularly pleased today to be announcing grants to a local organisation, Moe Life Skills, which is receiving $127,506 for two innovative and exciting projects,” Mr Hall said.

“The first is a project where people with a disability learn real skills in hospitality through setting up and running a coffee bar at Narracan Garden in Newborough.

“The cafe will be run in partnership with Narracan Garden Aged Care Facility and MECRUS – an Australian owned company that supports and retrains staff and managers to work productively.

“Their second project will see the development of new curriculum resources and assessment strategies to support learners attaining new skills at the Baw Baw and Latrobe pre-accredited network of 11 Learn Local organisations.

“Today’s announcement comes hot on the heels of the 2011 Victorian Learn Local Awards where Moe Life Skills won an award for Outstanding Pre-accredited Program for a theatre program designed for adults with an intellectual disability.

“There are great projects up and running in Moe that seek to improve the employment prospects for people who need support.

“As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need an inclusive workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills.”

Government restates commitment to Gippsland youth

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:17:00 GMT

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall has reaffirmed the
Victorian Coalition Government’s support for young people in Gippsland
through the launch of the Gippsland Youth Commitment strategic plan at Moe
today.

Mr Hall, who was joined at the event by Member for Morwell Russell Northe
said the Gippsland Youth Commitment provided government, business and the
community with the opportunity to work together with education and training
providers to tackle some of the challenges facing young people in
Gippsland.

“The Gippsland Youth Commitment has built a solid foundation for the
development of new education and training opportunities for young people in
Gippsland aged between 15 and 19,” Mr Hall said.

“The Commitment is an important regional development strategy that will
harness the expertise of the region to reduce duplication and identify gaps
for young people seeking skills in Gippsland.”

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said local initiatives that provided
education and training opportunities were the key to helping young people
work and learn in an increasingly changing and globalised world.

“The strategy provides a unique and collaborative framework to allow the
broader Gippsland community to come together to tackle local training
challenges and build on local strengths,” Mr Northe said.

The Commitment focuses on five key areas:

· improving participation in tertiary education and addressing high
deferral rates
· ensuring the educational needs of young Koorie people are advanced so
they have the same opportunities as the general population
· continuing to address skill development especially in skills shortage
areas and maths and science
· finding ways to engage young people who are disconnected and
disengaged from work or study
· finding better ways to support transition so all young people reach
their potential.

“This truly region-wide approach to meeting the challenges of the future
reflect how well local people, business, and education providers in
Gippsland can work together on shared goals,” Mr Northe said.

“The Victorian Government shares the ambition of the Gippsland Youth
Commitment to ensure all young people have the skills, capacity and
confidence to reach their full potential and be valued members of the
community.”

Mr Hall recently announced the establishment of a $20 million Regional
Partnerships Facilitation Fund to increase alliances between universities
and Vocational Education and Training providers in regional Victoria to
provide easier access to higher education opportunities for local students

The Government also announced a $157.8 million funding boost for the TAFE
sector in this year's State Budget. The funding included $62.5 million to
cut TAFE fees for youth Healthcare Card holders.

Media Contact: James Martin 0400 744 913

$20 million to make studying easier for regional students

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:03:00 GMT

Regional students will enjoy easier access to higher education opportunities under a new $20 million fund officially launched today in Bendigo by Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall.

Mr Hall said the $20 million Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund would increase alliances between universities and Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers in regional Victoria.

“This initiative aims to increase alliances between TAFE institutes and universities to deliver a greater range of higher education programs in regional centres, giving more students the option to study in their hometown,” Mr Hall said.

“In particular, this program aims to increase the number of TAFE campuses providing degree level courses to make higher education opportunities more accessible for regional students and boost participation rates across the state.

“It will also encourage greater use of existing infrastructure and resources between institutions in regional Victoria.”

Mr Hall said the establishment of the fund was a key recommendation of a 2009 report advising on the development of the Victorian Tertiary Education Plan.

“The report found the lack of access to higher education was exacerbating the trend of young regional Victorians leaving their communities to access education,” Mr Hall said.

“Higher education enrolment statistics show a significant disparity between regional students and their metropolitan counterparts. Only 30.5 per cent of regional students who completed year 12 last year enrolled in a university course, compared with 50.7 per cent of metropolitan students.“

Mr Hall said funding for the Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund would be provided through the Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“Launched earlier this month, the Regional Growth Fund is the Coalition Government’s commitment to creating new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life for regional Victorians over the next eight years through initiatives like the Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund,” Mr Hall said.

The Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund is a competitive fund that will support the delivery of projects that contribute to increasing the rate of higher education participation, attainment and achievement.

Over the next month the first of two $10 million application rounds opens to eligible higher education and vocational training providers, and partner organisations, including local government, schools and industry.

Funding application guidelines were released today as part of the launch and are now available on skills.vic.gov.au

GIPPSLANDERS ENCOURAGED TO NOMINATE FOR LANDCARE AWARDS

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:54:00 GMT

Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall is encouraging Gippslanders to nominate local people and groups who are making a positive difference to their environment for the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards.

Mr Hall said the 2011 Landcare Awards recognised volunteers who supported rivers, farming land, wetlands, estuaries, coasts and urban environments, through creative initiatives such as sustainable farming, bushfire recovery, awareness and partnership building.

“These awards a great way of recognising volunteers and groups in our community who are devoted to ensuring Victoria’s natural environment is protected and restored for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Hall said.

“I know there are many people in Gippsland who put in hundreds of hours making valuable contributions to our environment and I encourage people to nominate these hard working volunteers for these awards,” he added.

Landcare is a movement of individuals and groups focusing on managing the environment in their local area. Volunteers perform a range of tasks from planting trees, stopping soil erosion and assisting with primary production, to protecting Victoria’s native wildlife and controlling weeds and pests.

Victorians can nominate volunteers or groups for approximately 18 award categories, including seven special Victoria-specific categories:

· Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship – $5,000
· CitiPower and Powercor Landcare Network Award – $5,000
· Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award – $4,000
· DPI Sustainable Farming Award (regional) – $500 per CMA region; Rural Press Primary Producer Award (state)
· The Bushfire Recovery Award – $15,000
· Long Service to Landcare Award – $1,000
· Long Service to Landcare – Honour Roll

Nominations have been extended until 22 July 2011. State winners will become nominees in the biennial national Landcare awards 2012. For more information visit www.landcarevic.net.au

RECALL OF ELECTRIC BLANKET PROMPTS SAFETY WARNING

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:50:00 GMT

At this time of year when the temperature drops it is important people remember to check all their heating products to ensure they are safe to use, Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall said.

Mr Hall’s warning follows the recall of an electric blanket that poses a risk of electrocution.

Anyone who bought a Linda Electric Blanket Super Slumber/ Sleep Safe from
Harris Scarfe or Big W between March 2007 and November 2009 should
immediately stop using it and disconnect it from the power supply.

If there is a severe bend to the electrical supply lead at the connector to
this blanket, this poses the potential risk of an electrical short circuit.

The supplier of these electric blankets, Gerard Sourcing and Manufacturing, has arranged to provide replacement controllers.

Anyone who has bought one of these blankets can contact 1300 373 199 to arrange a replacement controller.

“It’s that time of year when people are wanting to curl up in bed with an electric blanket or hot water bottle, but it is important to check that the product is safe,” Mr Hall said.

“It’s important to regularly check heating products to ensure they are safe, even if the product has always worked in the past,” he added.

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), mandatory product safety standards are in place for a range of products, including children’s nightwear and hot
water bottles.

If an unsafe product is detected on the market, there are a range of
measures available under the ACL.

Products that have been voluntarily recalled due to the risk of fire
include:

· Rheem and Everhot brand Heat Pump water heaters
· Brilliant “Glace” Heater Light Exhaust Fan
· Stokland Depot – Bolsa Agua Caliente Goma Rubber Heat          Water Bag

“When it comes to hot water bottles, a burst or leaking hot water bottle
can cause serious burns or scalds – it is a myth that hot water bottles
last forever,” Mr Hall said.

Tips to avoid injury include:
· replace hot water bottles every year;
· remove hot water bottles before going to bed;
· check the condition of the bottle and examine it for       leaks or cracks before use; and
· boiling water should not be used when filling hot water       bottles.

Since 2008, Consumer Affairs Victoria has received more than 130 reports from consumers with concerns about heating and gas appliances.

For further information about product safety recalls visit
www.recalls.gov.au For further information about product safety contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au

For further information about gas and electricity appliances visit Energy Safe Victoria’s website at www.esv.vic.gov.au

RURAL AND REGIONAL YOUTH INCLUSION GRANTS NOW OPEN

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:45:00 GMT

Young people in rural and regional Victoria will have an opportunity to be included in local government decision making though the Rural and Regional Youth Inclusion Grants program, according to Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall.

“The Rural and Regional Youth Inclusion grants aim to improve how young people connect with their local communities by strengthening their participation in local government decision making,” Mr Hall said.

Eligible councils will have an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $30,000 each for projects which will embed engagement and consultation of regional and rural young people in decision making and planning across all the business of local government.

Mr Hall encouraged all rural and regional councils including Bass Coast, Baw Baw, South Gippsland, Latrobe City, Wellington and East Gippsland, to apply for the new Youth Inclusion Grants.

"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to providing opportunities for regional and rural young people to participate in their community and this is another avenue where this can take place,” Mr Hall said.

"Young people can make valuable contributions when it comes to local government decision making and their involvement in shaping our communities can also help increase their confidence and skills.”

The Rural and Regional Youth Inclusion Grants are one component of the Coalition Government's Youth Action Strategy, which also includes regional and rural workshops, resources and research designed to increase young people's participation in the community.

"I look forward to young people having an increased say in the future direction of rural and regional Victoria," Mr Hall said.

Applications for the Rural and Regional Youth Inclusion Grants close on 26 May 2011.

TIME TO TAKE PART IN NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:41:00 GMT

Member for the Eastern Region Peter Hall is encouraging all parents and guardians of school aged children to participate in the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday the 20th of May.

Mr Hall said National Walk Safely to School Day was a great way to encourage primary school children to adopt a more active lifestyle.

“Guidelines state that children need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity a day,” Mr Hall said.

“By incorporating a walk to school into the daily routine of children it is a helpful measure in reducing childhood obesity and other health problems.”

Now in its 12^th year Walk Safely to School Day promotes the important message: Active Kids Are Healthy Kids.

Mr Hall said walking to school also helped to reduce dangerous vehicle congestion around schools and carbon emissions form idling cars by encouraging parents and carers to drive less and walk more.

“Walk Safely to School Day is a great opportunity to promote the health benefits of walking as well as creating regular walking habits at an early age,” Mr Hall said.

“It also helps children develop vital road-crossing skills and work towards reducing car dependency habits which can be difficult to change as children become adults.

“We need to encourage children early to undertake healthy habits such as walking when possible,” he added.

Further information can be found at www.walk.com.au.

FUNDS FOR LOCAL WAR MEMORIALS TO BE RESTORED

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:39:00 GMT

A number of communities in the Eastern Region have won a share of more than $200,000 of Victorian Government Restoring Community War Memorial Grants, announced today.

“Communities such as Orbost, Sale, Lindenow, Drouin, Gembrook and Mornington have all been successful in obtaining funds through the grants program,” Nationals Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall said.

Mr Hall said Orbost RSL Sub-Branch would receive $10,000 to extensively restore its memorial by repairing the clock, re-cladding the cenotaph, installing a new plaque, adding new fencing and repairing the immediate area around the memorial.

“The Sale RSL and Community Sub-Branch will receive $7297 to clean and reseal the immediate area around the memorial to make it safer for veterans to attend services,” he added.

Others in the electorate to receive grants include The Lions Club of Lindenow which will receive $4232 to restore the Lindenow War Memorial; Baw Baw Shire will receive $2840 for its Drouin War Memorial Upgrade Project; Mornington Heritage Support Group Sub Committee will receive $6000 to restore the cenotaph in Mornington and District Memorial Park; and Gembrook RSL Sub Branch will receive $927 to install and attach two memorial plaques at its Memorial Cenotaph.

“War memorials are an important feature of most towns and continue to provide a symbol for our communities of the sacrifices made by local people to defend our way of life,” Mr Hall said.

“These grants provide practical support to keep our memorials in the best condition so that an important part of our history is adequately preserved for current and future generations.”

Grant recipients were announced today in Dunkeld by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Hugh Delahunty.

Restoring Community War Memorial Grants are available to councils, RSL clubs and community groups and facilities.

A full list of grants and more information about applying is available at http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/veterans/veterans-heritage/war-memorials/restoring-community-war-memorials

GIPPSLAND SCHOOLS CHANCE TO SHOW OFF GREEN THUMB

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:37:00 GMT

Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall is encouraging Gippsland schools to enter the Victorian School Garden Awards.

Now in its 34^th year, the competition sees a panel of judges criss-cross the state in their search for the best school gardens.

“I know there are a number of schools in the Gippsland region who take great pride in their school garden and this is a fantastic opportunity to get recognition for the work put into them,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said school gardens helped students learn about the environment and the benefits of growing their own vegetables along with promoting a healthy diet.

“It is very rewarding for students to plant their own seeds, watch them grow and then harvest them,” Mr Hall said.

“They can also learn important messages about being sustainable and water wise,” he added.

“These awards are about encouraging students to become more involved in their community and the environment.”

Mr Hall said judges were not necessarily looking for the most aesthetic school grounds, but for the school garden that had the most benefit for students, teachers and the community.

The competition prize pool is worth $88,790, including a $45,000 turf and installation package from Turf Producers Association of Victoria, a $5800 ride-on mower from Kubota, and a $2990 greenhouse from Fat Fruit and $35,000 in regional prizes.

The Victorian Government is the major sponsor of the competition, contributing $52,300.

It is open to all Victorian schools and last year attracted 200 entries, with winners announced in December at a special ceremony in the Botanical Gardens.

For more information and application forms visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/about/events/garden

HALL SAYS CATTLE GRAZING TRIAL IS SCIENTIFIC AND NECESSARY

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:34:00 GMT

Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall has vigorously defended the Coalition’s decision to return cattle to the Alpine National Park, amidst the Federal Government’s fight to reintroduce a grazing ban.

Speaking in parliament Mr Hall rejected claims that the Coalition’s trial to return grazing as part of a bushfire mitigation study, was not based on scientific research.

“It is absolutely based on scientific research; it is genuine; it is well founded; it is totally necessary,” Mr Hall said.

The trial which has reintroduced 400 cattle into Victoria’s Alpine National Park from January to April each year for six years to see if grazing helps reduce fuel for bushfires, is modest, Mr Hall said.

The Alpine National Park is Victoria’s biggest national park comprising an area of 646,000 hectares. The trial provides for 400 head of cattle to be grazed on six sites within those 646,000 hectares.

“The application of 400 head of cattle over those six sites means they are pretty hard to find,” Mr Hall said.

“This is a modest research trial on a very big piece of land with a very small number of cattle.”

Mr Hall said the trial would help the State Government achieve an appropriate balance between cattle grazing as an effective bushfire mitigation tool and the protection of the environmental assets of the park.

He said the areas and ecosystems in the high country that the Opposition claimed cattle were damaging, were the exact environments where controlled burning was not an appropriate tool to reduce bushfire risk.

“While some would claim that cattle, no matter how small in number, have the potential to do significant damage to the environment, I say: so too do bushfires,” Mr Hall said.

“Above a certain altitude the use of controlled burning is simply not a recommended measure, it is ineffective and can cause more damage than other tools.

“Bushfires that are uncontrolled and burn with intensity will do far more environmental damage than limited numbers of cattle grazing in these park areas.

“It is a matter of balance.”

RELIEF IN SIGHT FOR CARERS

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:36:00 GMT

Nationals Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s draft report on disability, care and support for the establishment of a national disability insurance scheme.

“As a member who has represented Gippsland for more than 20 years one of the most distressing matters I have to deal with is the support that is unavailable, in many cases, particularly for ageing parents who have spent a lifetime looking after children with a disability,” Mr Hall said.

“I must say that I despair every time one of those particular issues comes before my electorate office.”

Speaking in parliament Mr Hall said he could see there was a lack of funding at both the federal and state level to adequately support those who are caring for people with a disability.

Mr Hall said the Baillieu Government had been at the forefront of the public debate over the need to establish a national disability insurance scheme.

“There are obviously some issues that need to be discussed between state and federal governments, such as how the scheme will be funded, but at long last I think some real relief is in sight for those despairing families who have spent a lifetime caring for their children with disabilities,” he said.

“For the first time there is some real and positive light ahead for them.

“I welcome the report and trust we will implement the recommendations in due course.”

New drive for regional education and training opportunities

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:41:00 GMT

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall today said Victoria must increase participation in higher education in regional areas in order to drive economic growth and meet the needs of industry.

Speaking at the launch of a government-funded research report, Deferring a University Offer in Regional Victoria, Mr Hall said it was clear more needed to be done to make it easier for regional Victorians to participate in education and to develop their skills.

“This report allows us to better understand the particular barriers to participation in educational opportunities in regional areas and how we can best respond to these,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the report showed a disproportionate number of people in regional areas deferred skills development.

“The Coalition Government is determined to address regional imbalances in education and training opportunities with development of a full range of education options within those areas,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the government had already begun work on initiatives aimed at addressing regional deferral rates and increasing the number of regional Victorians accessing higher education.

“One of the biggest barriers to regional students accessing higher education is the cost of living away from home while studying or training,” Mr Hall said.

“The Coalition Government’s Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund aims to address this issue and provide regional students with greater flexibility, options and choice,” Mr Hall said.

The initiative aims to increase alliances between TAFE institutes and universities to deliver a greater range of higher education programs in regional centres, giving more students the option to study in their hometown.

Today’s report launched by the Minister was led by John Polesel, for the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria. Funded by the Victorian Government, it involved contributions from 14 Victorian Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs).

The report is now available through the Youth Affairs Network of Victoria at www.yacvic.org.au.

Funding for the research into the deferral of university offers will continue until 2013.