❓ An opposition MP questions the Minister for Skills and TAFE regarding the cost and justification of overseas recruitment trips undertaken by TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA). The Minister's response provides a general overview of TIWA's purpose and the rationale for the trips, citing commercial sensitivity for withholding specific details.

I refer to the Report on Overseas Air Travel for the 3 months to 31 December 2024 and the seven separate trips for a total of $54,295 by four individuals to travel to Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam Laos, Cambodia, Serbia, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Mauritius for what is described as TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) Recruitment Trip. Can the Minister advise:(a) What is a TIWA Recruitment Trip;(b) What are the outcomes expected from such trips and the benefit to the State;(c) What outcomes were achieved by each of these visits;(d) How were these countries selected;(e) Why were other Australian States and Territories selected for these trips;(f) Which entities and individuals were met in each of these countries;(g) Were reports provided to the department and or government on these trips:(i) If so, can they be tabled; and(ii) If not, why not; and(h) Why does the trip for I Howells from 15 to 24 November not identify the countries visited?

(a)–(h) TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is a Registered Training Organisation responsible for recruiting international students to study at Western Australian TAFE colleges and public schools. The purpose of recruitment trips is to attract international students to study in Western Australia, attend international student expos and meet with education agents in line with international education regulatory requirements. Countries were selected from established and emerging international education markets for Western Australian TAFE colleges and public schools. Post-travel reports were prepared following each visit, details are commercially sensitive. Ms I. Howells’ trip from 15 to 24 November was to Indonesia.