WA Minister for Training & Workforce Development

WA Minister to chair National Workforce Development Committee

Victor P Taffa

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier was today confirmed as national chair of the new Workforce Development, Supply and Demand Principal Committee.

The principal committee forms part of the new governance structure for the Ministerial Council on Tertiary Education and Employment.

“Workforce development is a key focus of the State Government as Western Australia embarks on a new era of sustained growth that is leading the national economic recovery.” Mr Collier said.

“I am delighted to accept the role of chair for the new principal committee. Australia is on the verge of an exciting period of sustained economic growth and there will be a strong need for skilled workers in a range of industries.”

“However, this presents a range of challenges for the nation and this committee will have an important role in helping to set the national priorities and strategic directions to meet Australia’s productivity, participation and workforce development needs.”

Ministers agreed to new arrangements to improve the Ministerial Council’s operations and focus on matters of national significance. These arrangements include the establishment of four principal committees which will report to the council:

• Workforce Development, Demand and Supply
• Access & Participation
• Data & Performance Measurement
• Regulation, Quality Assurance & International Engagement.

Mr Collier also welcomed the offer from Federal Employment Participation Minister Mark Arbib, to assist Western Australia on the Workforce Development, Demand and Supply Principal Committee.

Further outcomes of today’s Ministerial Council meeting are available from the council’s website: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Overview/Governance/Pages/Ministerial_Council.aspx