HALL IN SHADOW CABINET

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan has welcomed today’s announcement that Upper House Member for Eastern Region Peter Hall has been appointed to the Coalition’s Shadow Cabinet.

Mr Hall has accepted the portfolios of Tertiary Education and Training, along with Skills and Workforce Participation.

“Peter has a strong background in the education sector, having worked as a teacher before entering State Parliament,” Mr Ryan said.

“He brings a wealth of experience to the role and has a great understanding of the needs of young people as they progress through the education system and into further training or apprenticeships.”

Mr Hall said he was particularly interested in the widening gap in the Year 7-12 retention rates between city and country students.

“The lower retention rates leads to lower participation rates in tertiary studies and further training opportunities,” Mr Hall said.

“It is widely appreciated that we need more skilled workers in country areas and I believe there are opportunities to help young people either remain in rural and regional Victoria, or return once they have undertaken further studies.

“I’m looking forward to consulting widely with the community as the Coalition develops its policies to take forward to the 2010 state election.”

Mr Ryan said the inclusion of eight country-based Members of Parliament in the Shadow Cabinet would ensure a balanced approach to decision-making.

"We have a strong team of experienced country MPs in the Shadow Cabinet to ensure that the needs of all Victorians are well represented," Mr Ryan said.

"At a time when the Brumby Government's policies are dividing city and country families, we have a Shadow Cabinet team that will work to unite our state. Victorians deserve better than the Brumby Government."