Statement by Heather Ridout
Chief Executive Australian Industry Group

"The Senate Inquiry into Industry Skills Councils, announced this week, will be an opportunity to highlight the critical role these groups play in identifying and developing the skills needs for the Australian economy, now and into the future," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.

"The Inquiry by the Senate Committee for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, will be undertaken at a critical time for the Industry Skills Councils as they are currently particularly focussed on supporting the Government in efforts to address skills shortages.

"Ai Group looks forward to contributing to the Inquiry and reinforcing the strength of business support for Skills Councils. They are an important interface bringing together industry, educators and governments in order to promote an industry-led agenda for action on skills and workforce development.

"They are also the key organisations that deliver industry developed training standards and products, robust industry-based skills advice to government and identify important strategies forward in relation to workforce development.

"Their important work is funded by the Commonwealth Government, and in accordance with contractual requirements, is undertaken in a transparent and accountable manner with strong governance arrangements – as it should be," Mrs Ridout said.


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