Rachel Payne MP has spoken in support of the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Schools and Other Matters) Bill 2026. She is backing a new statutory framework designed to protect some of Victoria’s most vulnerable workers.
Full Transcript
Apprentices Are Among Our Most Vulnerable Workers
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (20:10): I rise to make a short contribution on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria on the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Schools and Other Matters) Bill 2026.
Apprentices and trainees are among the most vulnerable people in the workplace. For many an apprenticeship or traineeship is their first real experience in the workforce. They are still learning not only their trade but also their rights and responsibilities as employees.
Apprentices are particularly vulnerable due to their young age and lack of experience, making it difficult for them to speak up about mistreatment. It can also be difficult for them to recognise unsafe conditions, exploitation and mistreatment. Even when they know something is wrong they may be afraid to speak up. They may worry about losing their job, damaging their future career or facing negative consequences from their employer. Others may simply not know where to go or how to report their concerns.
Serious problems include bullying, physical abuse and wage theft. In Victoria WorkSafe Victoria has taken action against dozens of employers. For example, it prosecuted 66 companies and banned more than a hundred employers over five years for harming apprentices. These figures highlight a broader problem.
For many years, apprentices and trainees have faced gaps in regulation, oversight and enforcement. Despite this, they remain among the most vulnerable workers in the workforce.
A New Regulatory Framework
This piece of legislation turns the Victorian government’s response to the Apprenticeships Taskforce into a statutory regulatory framework and adopts its recommendations. Apprentices are arguably employees with the greatest power imbalance between them and both their colleagues and their employer. This needs to be recognised and protections put in place. Apprentices should not have to rely on serious injury, exploitation or workplace tragedy before the system intervenes. One of the key reforms introduced in this bill is the establishment of a new regulatory structure. This includes an apprenticeship and traineeship commissioner. The bill also introduces stronger requirements for employers, including employer licensing and standards relating to the training and support of apprentices. Importantly, the bill gives regulators stronger monitoring and enforcement powers. This means employers will be held accountable for providing safe workplaces, appropriate supervision and quality training for apprentices.
A Safe and Supportive Pathway – Education and Training Reform
Our apprenticeship system must do more than simply provide training. It must provide a safe, supportive and high-quality experience throughout an apprentice’s training or a trainee’s entire journey.
When someone begins an apprenticeship or traineeship they should be able to trust that their employer will provide a workplace where they feel safe, respected and supported. Every apprentice and trainee deserves the opportunity to learn, develop their skills and build their future without fear of exploitation or mistreatment. Our apprenticeship system must be built around safety, support, quality and knowledge.
It is a special time for new and often young workers. Apprentices should be mentored and their skills developed.
When apprentices and trainees start their journey they deserve a workplace where they are respected, protected and given every opportunity to learn and succeed. An apprenticeship should be a pathway to a better future. It should be an environment where they are empowered to speak up without fear. This is a critical life skill and work skill; if you see something wrong, you should be able to name it. Every apprentice and trainee deserves to feel safe, valued and supported as they learn.
Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility between employers, training providers and the apprenticeship system as a whole.
Overall the reforms in this bill represent a significant shift toward a stronger and more accountable apprenticeship system in Victoria. The goal is simple: apprentices should be safe, properly supported and given genuine opportunities to complete their training and embark on a successful career. On behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, we will support this bill.
A Stronger, Safer Start for Young Workers
Rachel’s contribution makes the case that meaningful protection for apprentices and trainees shouldn’t wait for tragedy to force change. With a new commissioner, stronger employer licensing and real enforcement powers, this bill aims to give Victoria’s apprentices what they deserve from day one: a safe, supported pathway into their careers.
