Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:38:15 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Western Australia cleans up in national training awards http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132813 Content:

Western Australia has taken training to new heights, achieving one of its greatest results in the nation’s most prestigious training competitions.

 

Seven of the eight State finalists in the 2009 National Training Awards in Canberra were either winners or runners up, including Blake McCarthy, 19, from Seville Grove who won the coveted Australian Apprentice of the Year.

 

Blake is employed as an apprentice electrician by the Water Corporation’s engineering and construction services branch.

 

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said this was a fantastic result, showing the wealth of talent in WA and excellence in training.

 

“This is one of our best results in the national competition,” Mr Collier said.

 

“We have taken on the nation’s best and have come up winners, which is a testament to the strength of training in this State.

 

“The Liberal-National Government is giving training the recognition it deserves and I am delighted that it is being acknowledged in such a way at a national level.

 

“Everyone who took part in these awards deserves our very warmest congratulations and we should be very proud of their achievements.”

 

The Minister congratulated the State’s successful finalists:

 

·           Hollywood Private Hospital - winner, Employer of the Year

·           WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin - winner, VET in Schools Excellence Award

·           Department of Corrective Services - winner, Australian Training Initiative

·           Adam Selby (St James) - runner up, Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year

·           Salathiel McKay (Karratha) - runner up, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

·           Daniel Lowe (Martin) - runner up, Stella Axarlis School Based Apprenticeship of the Year.

 

Individuals and organisations who took part in the national awards were all winners in the prestigious WA Training Awards announced in September.

 

“These awards recognised the outstanding achievements of WA’s apprentices, trainees and vocational students, and the contribution of training providers and employers,” Mr Collier said.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 22/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training and Workforce Development
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:29:35 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132813 Legislation passed to help secure long-term gas supplies http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132796 Content:

Energy consumers will benefit from greater competition and greater certainty over gas supply as a result of legislation passed today in State Parliament.

 

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the legislation would allow the development of a greater range of gas fields to supply the domestic market.

 

“This will benefit customers by leading to greater competition among gas producers and improving energy security through a more diverse range of gas sources,” Mr Collier said.

 

The Gas Supply (Gas Quality Specifications) Bill 2009 allows the State Government to broaden the gas characteristics in the State transmission pipeline network for the domestic market.

 

“Broadening the make-up of gas for the domestic market will encourage developments of gas fields, such as BHP Billiton’s Macedon, which currently sits outside specifications for delivery through Western Australia’s gas pipeline network,” he said.

 

The Minister said the new legislation may render unsafe some pre-1980s gas appliances - such as gas cookers, heaters and hot water systems - if operated on leaner gas.

 

“To offset any inconvenience to consumers, a special program will be introduced before the leaner gas starts flowing to either service these appliances or replace them at no charge,” he said.

 

“The gas rectification program will be funded by the producers who intend to supply gas with a leaner energy content, ensuring safety to residential consumers, schools and other institutions.”

 

The legislation is just one of several measures the State Government is taking to avert future shortages and ensuring WA is better prepared for any future gas supply disruptions.

 

Mr Collier recently released the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee’s report, which provided recommendations to improve the security, reliability and competitiveness of the domestic energy markets, and potential mitigation options for gas supply disruptions.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 18/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:34:06 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132796 Discussion invited on long term energy vision http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132788 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has released a discussion paper to provide direction for a long term energy vision for Western Australia.

 

The Strategic Energy Initiative 2030 will address key areas of security and reliability, a cleaner energy future, infrastructure, energy supply and demand, regional and remote energy, and markets and regulation.

 

Mr Collier said it would set out clear goals to provide guidance for policy makers and investors, while maintaining flexibility for the State to adapt quickly to take advantage of new opportunities and address emerging issues.

 

“Securing the energy future for WA is a priority of the State Government,” he said.

 

“There was no clear energy direction for WA when we came into office last year - there was no direction for the State’s energy sector, which is something the industry has been constantly calling for.

 

“As Minister for Energy, I will lead the development of the Strategic Energy Initiative, which will incorporate the knowledge and experience of energy experts from government agencies, industry and the community at large.”

 

The State Government had already undertaken major steps to fix the fundamentals of reliability and energy security in WA, and it was now time to plan for the future.

 

“This will include delivering a cleaner energy future through the development of renewable energy supplies, while meeting our commitment to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020,” the Minister said.

 

“This is a significant increase in the commitment to renewable energy when compared to the 15 per cent target by the previous Labor government over the same timeframe.”

 

Mr Collier said while the Government was increasing the use of renewable energy for power generation, effective planning was needed to increase the State’s fuel mix.

 

“There are unique circumstances in WA due to the expanse of the State and that needs to be taken into consideration as we develop a strategic energy direction and work towards the 2020 target,” he said.

 

The Minister said the Karratha Gas Plant shutdown in January 2008 and the Varanus Island explosion in June 2008 provided valuable lessons on the need to protect energy security and prepare for the unexpected.

 

The Liberal-National Government has implemented several initiatives to address some of the immediate issues, such as:

  • establishing the Gas Supply and Emergency Management Committee to examine ways in which the impact of supply disruptions can be reduced
  • introducing legislation into Parliament to allow the specification of gas transported in pipelines to be broadened as a means to encourage the development of gas fields that sit outside existing specifications
  • commissioning a review into the financial position of Verve Energy, the recommendations of which are currently being implemented.

“It is essential that we take a holistic approach to the development of a long-term energy strategy,” Mr Collier said.

 

“This includes making best use of existing technologies, while also ensuring the State is ready to take advantage of the technical advances that are already emerging.

 

“The State Government is committed to a secure, reliable, competitive and cleaner energy future for WA.”

 

A copy of the Strategic Energy Initiative is available on the Office of Energy website http://www.energy.wa.gov.au or by contacting 9420 5600.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 17/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:31:20 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132788 Lifeline for Pilbara’s Australian Technical College http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132741 Content:

Pilbara’s Australian Technical College (ATC) has been saved by the Western Australian State Government from looming closure at the end of the year.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier today announced the State Government would assume responsibility for the operations of the college to allow it to remain open.

 

“Without this action, students would not have been able to complete their studies and others could not have enrolled for 2010,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The Government has made this decision in the interests of the local community and industry.

 

“This situation has occurred because the Federal Government Act covering the operation of the Pilbara ATC will cease at the end of the year, which means the college could not receive more funding.

 

“We have a strong interest in the ongoing operations of the Pilbara ATC and the State Government encourages training and education models which have positive results for Aboriginal people.

 

“The college’s operation will be reviewed in the broader context of providing sustainable training and employment opportunities for the Pilbara’s Aboriginal people.”

 

The college caters for Year 11 or Year 12 students who want to begin a trade apprenticeship while completing their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) at the Pilbara TAFE’s Pundulmurra Campus.

 

Mr Collier said the Government wanted to ensure all Western Australians had access to first-class training opportunities wherever they lived.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Pilbara
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:03:49 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132741 Solar City agreement welcomed http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132744 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has welcomed today’s launch of the $73.5million Perth Solar City program.

 

He joined Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett in recognising Perth as Australia’s seventh and final demonstration Solar City.

 

The program, which will be run by a consortium led by Western Power, aims to encourage industry, business, governments and the general community to change the way they produce, use and save energy.

 

It would include the installation of smart meters, solar hot water systems and photovoltaics and be delivered to more than 106,000 homes within the six-member councils of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council.

 

These include the Town of Bassendean; cities of Bayswater, Belmont and Swan; and the shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring.

 

“This four-year project is an excellent example of how different levels of government, business and the community can work co-operatively to show how we can be smarter about how we use energy,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The information collected will assist in developing more sustainable energy solutions both now and in the future.”

 

The Minister said the project would also assess the merits of a range of new technologies, such as the use of smart meters, widely used around the world to help consumers, retailers and distributors manage the use of energy across the network.

 

Mr Collier said the environmental and financial impacts of solar energy generation and the impacts of integrating such systems into the electricity grid would also be considered as part of the project.

 

“The State Government has committed to the national target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020, so this project will be one of many steps to achieve this important goal,” he said.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 5/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: Eastern Metropolitan
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:22:34 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132744 Underground power for City of Canning http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132732 Content:

Energy Minister Peter Collier has helped finalise an agreement to deliver underground power and new street lighting to more than 900 households in Wilson.

 

Mr Collier co-signed the partnership agreement to provide funding for the project with City of Canning Mayor Joe Delle Donne and Western Power managing director Doug Aberle, as part of Round Four of the Underground Power Program.

 

“The Wilson West Underground Power Project will improve the standard of electricity supply to customers, enhance local streetscapes and increase property values,” he said.

 

“When construction is completed, residents in the project area will notice a significant transformation of streetscapes with the removal of 502 poles and installation of 290 new street lights.”

 

Construction on the $9million project will start immediately and is expected to be completed in December 2010.

 

The Minister said the program’s costs would be shared between local government and the State Government, which would contribute 25 per cent through the Office of Energy and 25 per cent through Western Power.

 

Mr Collier praised the City of Canning and Western Power for their contribution in preparing detailed designs for the project.

 

Proposals from local governments for Round Five of the Underground Power Program can now be submitted.

 

Information regarding applications is available on the Office of Energy website at http://www.energy.wa.gov.au.

 

Inquiries should be directed to the Underground Power Program executive officer on 9420 5679.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: South Western Suburbs
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:46:01 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132732 Developing a workforce for the future http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132733 Content:

Construction industry employers would benefit further from taking on apprentices from January 1.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier today invited Western Australian businesses to take part in shaping their future workforce when he released an issues paper to help drive the development and co-ordination of future skills and labour needs.

 

Mr Collier said the issues paper, WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’, would guide workforce development policy and training delivery in line with the needs of the growing economy.

 

“Workforce development is aimed at building, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce to meet the State’s economic needs of the future,” he said.

 

“With the unprecedented scale of resources projects planned for Western Australia, there will be a significant increase in the demand for skills and labour in all industries and regions.

 

“It is imperative we build the supply of skilled workers to increase our long-term productivity and capitalise on opportunities as they emerge.”

 

The Minister said construction industry employers would receive up to an additional $2,000 for apprentices completing their training from the beginning of 2010.

 

Mr Collier said the Building and Construction Industry Training Board decided to raise the maximum subsidy to $9,000 as an incentive to increase apprentice intakes, following a 40 per cent drop in commencements in 2009.

 

“The board believes many employers in the construction sector are still concerned about the economy and the bonuses are aimed at easing uncertainty,” he said.

 

The board has applied an additional 10 per cent increase for country apprentices in the south of the State and 20 per cent for those in the north, bringing the subsidies to $9,900 and $10, 800 respectively.

 

The eligibility criteria for employers employing mature-aged apprentices has changed from 30 to 21 years of age.  This mature-aged subsidy is a bonus payment of up to $3,000 in addition to the existing subsidies for employers.  The subsidy recognises the increased costs associated with employing mature-aged apprentices.

 

The Minister said the WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’ would address key areas such as:

 

·           labour market demand and supply on an industry and regional basis

·           identification of skilled worker and labour shortages

·           enhancing attraction and retention of skilled workers

·           increased participation in the workforce

·           the need for whole of government co-ordination

·           targeted use of migration

·           the need for comprehensive career development

·           enhancing the training and workforce development culture of organisations

·           strategies and actions to address issues and gaps.

 

“This will help ensure future skill shortages are minimised and WA is in a strong position to respond to economic opportunities that will emerge,” Mr Collier said.

 

Development of the plan will be a consultative process, with submissions to be invited and a series of stakeholder forums and workshops arranged.

 

The plan will be co-ordinated by the newly created Department of Training and Workforce Development, which came into effect last week.

 

“As the name suggests, the new department will place greater emphasis on workforce development,” the Minister said.

 

“In addition to its vital training role, the new department has broader responsibility - to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the economic needs of this State.

 

“The department will work collaboratively and co-operatively with industry, the community and Government to maximise workforce participation and provide a seamless transition from training into employment.

 

“Work is already occurring between industry and government stakeholders to identify workforce development implications of resources and construction projects, including the Gorgon project.”

 

Mr Collier said these initiatives continued the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to jobs and training in WA.

 

A copy of the issues paper, WA’s Workforce Development Plan: ‘A Skilled Workforce for the Future’, is available on the Training WA website http://www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au/dtwd/detcms/apprenticeships-and-training/training-and-workforce-development/wa-workforce-development-plan-a-skilled-workforce-for-the-future.en?page=2 or by phoning Gary Fitzgerald on 9238 2460.

 

Minister's office - 9213 7150
Date: 4/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132733/Collierworkplacedevt041109.mp3
]]> Arbouin, Shane Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:52:36 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132733 Training together-working together forum held in South Hedland http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132723 Content:

Initiatives to boost employment and training for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara will be developed during the Training together-working together round table conference in South Hedland today.

 

Training Minister Peter Collier said the conference was part of extensive State-wide engagement, consultation and planning to enable Aboriginal people to develop the workforce skills necessary for sustainable employment.

 

“There are many excellent initiatives under way in the Pilbara involving partnerships with training organisations, employment service providers and the resource industries, but we need to look at what more can be done,” Mr Collier said.

 

“We need to make Aboriginal people more aware of employment and training opportunities, and see if there are better ways for them to link to those opportunities.

 

“The discussion will also focus on the major role that Aboriginal and other businesses can play in training and employing Aboriginal people.”

 

Today’s forum will be conducted by State Training Board chair Keith Spence and Dr Sue Gordon, who co-chair the Training together-working together committee.

 

Training together-working together was launched in September and similar round table forums have taken place in Kwinana and the South-West.

 

Other regional conferences will be held before the Training together-working together Aboriginal Workforce Development Summit is held early next year.

 

The Minister said Aboriginal leaders from WA communities comprised more than half of the committee.

 

“Training and employment are building blocks for improving social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people,” he said.

 

“Individual committee members will play a leading role in their respective industries and communities to ensure the plan is based on research and analysis of the key issues and needs of stakeholders.”

 

Mr Collier said the State Government wanted all Western Australians to have the skills to be part of the State’s economic future.

 

Minister's office: 9213 7150
Date: 3/11/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Pilbara
]]> Arbouin, Shane Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:39:05 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132723 Unique partnership delivers first graduates http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132694 Content:

Training Minister Peter Collier has today congratulated the first graduates of a unique program at Acacia Prison.

 

The Certificate IV in Small Business Management program was developed as a partnership between CY O’Connor College of TAFE in Northam and Acacia Prison’s registered training organisation, ASPAC Training.

 

“This is the first time that the prison’s education centre has teamed up with a TAFE college in Western Australia to provide added expertise in the classroom,” Mr Collier said.

 

“It was an opportunity to further broaden the range of study and vocational training options available to prisoners.”

 

The course was delivered by lecturing staff from the college, with 63 prisoners taking part and nine completing the full Certificate IV program.

 

A further 26 prisoners received a Statement of Attainment in recognition of the work they have completed to date, while another 10 received special awards to recognise their efforts.

 

“Education and training is a critical building block to ensure access and employability for people in the world of work, especially after they leave prison,” the Minister said.

 

“The partnership with CY O’Connor has been very encouraging and will continue to be a feature at Acacia.”

 

Mr Collier said training delivered at Acacia Prison was aligned with the Liberal-National Government’s vision set out in Training WA - a blueprint unveiled in May to transform the State’s training system.

 

“It is important that all Western Australians don’t miss out on broader training and employment opportunities that are starting to unfold in our State,” he said.

 

“WA is leading the reform of the training system nationally to make it more responsive and flexible, with industry an important partner in achieving this reform.”

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Training
Region: Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:31:26 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132694 Funding for Sustainable Energy Projects http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132703 Content:

A series of community workshops and an expo to encourage householders to reduce their energy consumption is one of eight initiatives that will benefit from State Government funding.

 

Energy Minister Peter Collier said about $255,000 would be shared among Western Australian organisations through the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) grants program.

 

“This program supports community sustainable energy projects as well as research and development initiatives,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The community-based projects help householders to reduce fossil fuel energy use, while the research and development based projects assist the expansion of innovative sustainable energy technologies and installations in WA.”

 

The successful applicants were:

 

  • City of Gosnells ($40,000): A Green Light Schools Fundraiser will be held to provide information and materials to encourage students and their families to save energy
  • Denmark Education and Innovation Centre ($30,000): Simple measures householders can take to reduce their energy use will be highlighted through initiatives such as home sustainability audits and advisory workshops
  • Green Skills Inc ($29,480): Five community workshops will be held throughout the metropolitan area, coupled with a Home Retrofitting Expo, to encourage householders to use energy in a more sustainable manner
  • Perth Diocesan Trustees ($30,200): A pilot program will be developed to assist householders to reduce carbon emissions
  • Perth Region NRM ($50,000): Funding will be used to develop sector specific energy management action plans and software tools to identify energy savings
  • Pure Engineering ($45,900): The company aims to develop a pre-production prototype of the vertical axis turbine suitable for extended field testing
  • Town of Vincent ($25,000): Householders will be encouraged to change their behaviour and increase their knowledge of sustainable living through energy workshops and household audits
  • The University of Western Australia ($5,000): The university aims to develop a safer and more energy efficient fuel cell that does not require the storage of hydrogen gas.

 

Minister's office  - 9213 7150
Date: 28/10/2009
Minister: Collier
Portfolio: Energy
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:30:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132703