Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the decision to cease funding the Get Set for Work Program. The Get Set for Work program was developed and funded by the state government to assist young people fulfil their legislative obligation by providing young people in highly disadvantaged communities access to programs designed to overcome significant barriers to accessing further education, training and employment.

Under the Vocational Education Training and Employment Act 2000, the Chief Executive of the Department of Education Training and Employment has a statutory duty to ensure diversity and accessibility of employment skills development programs. This is not a mere discretionary power; it is a statutory duty essential to the prescribed requirements for the Queensland Parliament for compulsory participation of young persons in education or training until 17 years of age.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to reverse the decision to cease funding the Get Set for Work Program and roll over the existing contracts to December 2013 to allow the state government the opportunity to consult with the youth sector, schools and the federal government to inform its policy on how it will support young people 15-17 years old meet their statutory obligation to engage in earning or learning whilst they are in the compulsory participation phase of their education.