I thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Minister for Education and Training.
I particularly look forward to delivering effective policies in vocational education, apprenticeships and training, while working with Christopher Pyne to help drive needed modernisation from pre-school through to higher education.
Training is an essential link between individuals and jobs, with effective training policies boosting workforce participation, allowing businesses to grow and strengthening our economy.
Most importantly, good training helps to provide individuals with the dignity of employment, often providing a helping hand to people when they are most in need.
From school leavers to mature age workers our training policies must be focussed where employment opportunities exist and where our economy is best placed to grow.
I look forward to consulting extensively with business, education and training providers and other stakeholders in this new role.
For five years, through opposition and government, I have enjoyed holding portfolio responsibilities for the environment and water.
I am particularly proud of the progress made in delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, especially our policies to focus on water saving infrastructure investment. I thank Greg Hunt for his support, wise advice and counsel throughout this time.