Cook MP Cynthia Lui has called on Canberra to give local apprentices their fair share.
Responding to a statement yesterday by the Premier and the Training and Skills Development Minister, Ms Lui said the latest offer from the Morrison Government had short-changed local apprentices.
“We have turned down this offer because Canberra weren’t giving us our fair share,” Ms Lui said.
“It’s a dud deal and Queensland won’t sign it in its current form.
“The Federal Minister and the local Federal MP should be trying harder.”
The Palaszczuk Government has rejected the undercooked offer from the Morrison Government because it:
-
attempts to exercise unprecedented control over Queensland’s training budget
- shifts an unacceptable level of risk to Queensland and Queensland taxpayers, and
- would not deliver guaranteed funding for Queensland’s apprentices and trainees.
Under the plan being proposed, local businesses will pay a levy on overseas skilled migration visas.
“If Queensland businesses are paying a levy to Canberra, we want a guarantee on that funding,” Ms Lui said.
“And we haven’t got that guarantee.”
Queensland’s 2018–19 Annual Vocational Education and Training Investment Plan has earmarked $777.9 million for training and skills programs, including $202 million for apprentice and trainee training.
Queensland has only received a guarantee in 2017–18 for $39.4 million which, although it represents a significant cut, would be invested in priority training initiatives.
“That’s why the Premier has written to the Prime Minister to inform him we won’t sign this bad deal,” Ms Lui said.
“We want a fair share for Queensland and the Palaszczuk Government will not agree to anything that’s not in the best interests of Queenslanders and young people looking to train for the jobs of the future.”
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Media: Cook Electorate Office 4223 1100
