Senator CAMERON (New South Wales) (13:09): Labor supports the Student Identifiers Bill 2014, which is substantially similar to one we introduced when we were in government. If Australia is to be a nation of highly skilled, high-paid workers, we must encourage young Australians to undertake education that will give them the relevant skills. That encouragement takes many forms and the student identifier is a very practical one. It makes it easier for those who have decided to study to keep track of the paperwork associated with enrolment and academic records. It smooths and removes a potential frustration which may even deter some people from enrolling at all. It can be difficult for students to keep track of training records, particularly when trying to gather evidence of prior learning, when entering a higher level course later on or when trying to compile a comprehensive record of study prior to a job interview. The student identifier will help students keep track of their to VET training and keep a record of all qualifications and certificates achieved throughout their lives. The scheme will make it easier for students to collate their VET achievements into a single, nationally recognised, authenticated transcript which can be provided to employers as proof of qualifications or to a training provider when seeking recognition of study previously undertaken. The student identifier will also assist in developing evidence based programs which effectively target skill shortages and skill needs of industry and better support the management of government funded subsidy programs. Labor is proud of having made a record investment in skills and training for smarter jobs and a stronger nation. We set in place education, training and industry policies that position Australia to compete in the Asian century. Labor also expanded access to student loans to reduce up-front financial barriers for people studying for a diploma or advanced diploma. In total, the Labor government invested more than $19 billion in skills funding between 2008-09 and 2012-13, a 77 per cent increase compared to the Howard government's investment. In 2011, a total of $6.5 billion was invested in Australia's national training system with the Labor government share being $2.4 billion or 37 per cent. Since commencing in 2009, the Labor government provided funding of $6.06 billion to support state and territory skills and workforce development under the national agreement. Labor supports this bill because it is substantially similar to the one we introduced when we were in government.