Australia’s political landscape has undergone significant shifts, bringing changes in leadership and ministerial appointments across several states and territories. These changes present new opportunities for SaCSA to engage with the government on workforce development initiatives across our sectors.
Northern Territory
On August 24, the Northern Territory witnessed a change in government, with the Country Liberal Party securing a decisive win. SaCSA enjoyed a strong working relationship with the previous government and looks forward to fostering similar productive engagements with the new Ministers, including:
- Jo-Anne Hersey – Minister for Education and Training
- Robyn Cahill – Minister for International Education, Migration and Population
- Marie-Clare Boothby – Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Major Events
- Jinson Charls – Minister for the Arts
- Steven Edgington – Minister for Alcohol Policy, Aboriginal Affairs
Australian Capital Territory
On October 19, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) achieved a historic milestone, with the Labour Party winning a seventh consecutive term. Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced a refreshed Cabinet, which now includes:
- Michael Pettersson – Minister for Skills, Training, and Industrial Relations; Minister for Business, Arts, and Creative Industries
- Andrew Barr – Minister for Tourism and Trade
- Tara Cheyne – Minister for the Night-Time Economy
- Yvette Berry – Minister for Education and Early Childhood
- Suzanne Orr – Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Queensland
Queensland’s October elections saw a shift in leadership, with the Liberal Party replacing the Labour Government. SaCSA extends gratitude to the outgoing Ministers and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the newly appointed Ministers, including:
- Ros Bates – Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
- Andrew Powell – Minister for the Environment and Tourism
- John-Paul Langbroek – Minister for Education and the Arts
- Steve Minnikin – Minister for Small and Family Business
- Tim Mander – Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Fiona Simpson – Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Tasmania
In Tasmania, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a new Cabinet on October 20, following several resignations. SaCSA congratulates the incoming Ministers and looks forward to continued collaboration. The new Cabinet includes:
- Felix Ellis – Minister for Skills and Training
- Jeremy Rockliff – Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Major Investment
- Nick Duigan – Minister for Sports and Events
- Madeleine Ogilvie – Minister for the Arts and Heritage
- Jane Howlett – Minister for Small Business and Hospitality
- Jo Palmer – Minister for Education
- Jacquie Petrusma – Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
These political changes signal fresh opportunities to drive forward SaCSA’s mission to provide a stronger, more strategic voice in ensuring Australia’s Vocational Education and Training sector delivers stronger outcomes for employers, workers, learners, trainers and educators. We are eager to strengthen relationships with both longstanding and new partners in government to achieve impactful and meaningful outcomes.