Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (16:29) 

The Hunter was built by skilled people, and, to this day, it's skilled people we still rely on. They are the ones building our houses, keeping the lights on, mining our coal, looking after us when we're crook and being there when we're old.

Today I want to talk about one Hunter local whose skills really stand out from the crowd. Anne MacLeod has been picked for the WorldSkills Australia Team Australia training squad as an expert in health and social care. She is now training to represent Australia at the international 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai this month—one of the biggest stages for skills in the world. WorldSkills Australia does incredible work spotting talent, backing it in and showing the world the skills that keep this country ticking over. They help young Australians sharpen their craft, chase new opportunities and make sure we're leading the pack when it comes to skills and training. We all know skills are the backbone of our workforce, and, in the Hunter, we know it better than most, because skills are in our blood.

Congratulations, Anne! Your spot in Team Australia is a massive credit to you, your hard work, your dedication and your passion in the field. Go and smash them in Shanghai—the Hunter and the whole community will be cheering you on. I look forward to seeing your results, to wishing the team good luck, and to seeing what happens in Shanghai.