Ms BRODTMANN (1:51 PM) —On Saturday night I attended the Housing Industry Association-CSR Housing Awards for the ACT and Southern New South Wales. I would like to thank the association for including me in the event at the National Convention Centre. Canberra is suffering from a skills shortage in nearly every area, but particularly in the trades. These awards celebrate the achievements of the housing industry and, most importantly, apprentices and their host trainers.

These awards acknowledge the great work done by our architects, builders and interior designers in building quality, sustainable housing and renovations from $15,000 to over $900,000. Congratulations to the apprentices of the year: to Brendan O’Toole, for winning the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year; to Ruari Taylor, for winning the Most Improved Apprentice for the third and fourth years; to Jackson Nugent, for winning the Most Improved Apprentice for the first and second years; and to Chris MacKenzie for winning the Apprentice of the Year for the first and second years.

I would also like to extend my congratulations to the Host Trainer of the Year, Michael Patt. Time is money in business. I commend you for investing your time and expertise into training and mentoring young Canberrans. You are making a significant contribution to the future of the building industry in Canberra and to Australia’s future, so thank you. I hope the awards encourage more young Canberrans to become apprentices and more businesses to become host trainers.