MESSAGE: SIA SCULPTURE LAUNCH

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the finalists of the New South Wales 2007 Sheetmetal Industry Association Sculpture Awards for High School Students.

I understand a sculpture exhibition will be held from 28 May to 1 June this year to showcase the metal sculpture work of the finalists. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to enable finalists to receive the acknowledgment they deserve for their outstanding achievement. Not only have these High School students demonstrated exceptional technical and practical skills in metal sculpture, but have also shown a level of commitment and dedication to their studies that is worthy of recognition at the highest level.

Australia 's future economic success depends critically on the skills and commitment of our youth. The Australian Government is dedicated to ensuring that young Australians have a wide range of opportunities when beginning their working lives. Industry, learning institutions and government must work together to achieve something that we jointly regard as absolutely important to the future of this country and that is the skilling of Australia's young people.

The Sheetmetal Industry Association has a valuable relationship with TAFE and High Schools in developing the skills of our young people and promoting the Australian Sheetmetal Industry. I hope that these awards will encourage more young people to consider the value of developing their skills through vocational education and training, within and outside High School.

I wish our award winners the very best in their future studies and careers.

Prime Minister
John Howard