30722 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education

30722 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education: Further to the Minister’s response to Written Parliamentary Question 21844, what evidence or advice suggests that by “having regional polytechnics working with local employers, this provision will be more responsive to employers and industry.”?

Hon Penny Simmonds: Local providers will have relationships within the industry and a better understanding of local context. They can make informed decisions about programme delivery that reflects this knowledge. A single national provider has incentive to offer more “one size fits all” provision that does not account for local contexts as effectively. Consultation during 2024 showed significant support for local autonomy, and submitters valued polytechnics for their contributions to communities, local skills and regional development, including through partnering with local industries and facilitating skills development tailored to local markets.