Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has been sworn in as the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills in the new Turnbull Coalition Government. Mr Hartsuyker was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at this month’s ceremony at Government House in Canberra, attended by his family. “I was honoured to be invited by the Prime Minister to join his ministerial team as the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Having a skilled, tertiary-educated workforce is one of the most important drivers of our economy. “There are so many synergies between my former role as Assistant Employment Minister and this new ministerial portfolio within the Turnbull Ministry,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Further education and training is vital to Australia’s productivity and improves the prospects of those wishing to enter the workforce or move between jobs or careers. “I thank the Hon. Eric Abetz for his contribution as Federal Employment Minister during my two years as Assistant Minister. Significant national milestones such as the Jobactive program would not have rolled out as smoothly and successfully without the support of Senator Abetz and his staff. “I would also like to pay tribute to Tony Abbott, who appointed me to my former role of Assistant Minister for Employment and supported our initiatives to get more people into jobs and drive employment growth in Australia. “Most importantly, in addition to thanking my supportive family, I want to thank the people of the North Coast. While this new position is an important role, my focus continues to be to represent Cowper electorate constituents as their voice in Canberra,” Mr Hartsuyker said.