Ai Group has paid tribute to Skills and Training Minister Brendan O'Connor and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, who are both retiring from federal politics.
Ai Group Centre for Education and Training Executive Director Megan Lilly said Mr O'Connor had made a “significant and enduring impact on vocational education and training” and could take credit for many achievements.
“Notable has been building Jobs and Skills Australia and the Jobs and Skills Councils, both critical elements in the policy architecture that supports our national skilling effort," Ms Lilly, pictured with Mr O'Connor and Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox, said.
“His focus on foundation skills, negotiating a new National Skills Agreement and solid support for VET qualification reform are important legacies, including increased funding for vocational education and training.
“Mr O'Connor has always understood and valued the importance of industry, both employers and unions, that has lead to betterment for the individual.
“This inclusive approach has helped lay the foundations for sustained reform.”
Mr Willox acknowledged Ms Burney's remarkable achievements.
“Ms Burney, the first Indigenous person in NSW politics, the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives and the first Indigenous woman to take on this portfolio, has done more than any other in terms of promoting First Nations issues, including in the employment and skills development," he said.
“The values that have driven her over the years – kindness, grace, resilience and integrity – are to be admired and valued.”
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
