Marriage Amendment Bill

 I regret that I am not able to be in the Senate to make a contribution to today’s debate on same-sex marriage, but write this article to ensure my views and position are understood.   The reason for my absence from the Senate is perhaps poignant, as I am taking some short leave following the…

Launch of ACPET Code of Conduct

SIMON BIRMINGHAM: Thank you to the ACPET team, to Mel and the board members and representatives of different companies who are present here today. To our hosts from [indistinct] in education, thank you very much for having us here, and for the showcasing of the wonderful work that you do and that you’ll undertake with…

Government’s stronger training laws pass Parliament

New legislation passed the Senate today that will further crack down on dodgy Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers.  Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham welcomed the Senate’s decision to pass the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2015.  “Passing this Bill sends a clear signal that the Australian Government…

Labor Hypocrisy on VET FEE-HELP

Labor's leader and education spokespeople should be blushing with embarrassment at their responses to today's reforms preventing unscrupulous marketers from targeting vulnerable Australians and exploiting taxpayers to the tune of billions of dollars. Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham said that while Labor had been responsible for the significant expansion of the…