The Norwegian Australian Chamber of Commerce President Sophia Demetriades had the pleasure of attending an exclusive networking lunch with the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP in Sydney on November 15th, 2018.

Ms Demetriades attended as guest of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a presentation on Building the Foundation Skills as presented by Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education and Training and Shadow Minister for Women.

With a keen eye on the skills needed for the future, there are none more important than foundation literacy and numeracy skills, including digital literacy, as a basis for lifelong learning and work. Evidence shows a drop in standards against our international competitors, particularly amongst high school students, and employers continue to express concern about the literacy and numeracy standards of young job seekers. Are we doing enough?

After her address, Ms Plibersek participated in a Q&A panel discussion with Suresh Manickam, CEO of the National Electrical and Communications Association, David Quilty, Executive Director of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Robert Randall, CEO of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. The panel was facilitated by Jenny Lambert, Director Employment, Education & Training, of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP and Sophia Demetriades, Norwegian Australian Chamber of Commerce President.