Hockey supports industry at online launch

Minister for Financial Services Joe Hockey paid tribute to the Australian and global financial services industry this morning at the launch of the Securities Institute’s online learning modules, and expressed his support for those involved in the New York terrorism disaster.

Speaking at theSecurities Institute’slaunch of its online learning modules, Hockey began by divulging that it was a “sombre occasion”.

“The events over the last 48 hours will affect the entire industry,” Hockey said.

“Financial services industries around the globe have learnt that the industry is about people, not just computer and IT technology.”

“Now is the time the industry needs to come together to help the people who have been brutally and tragically affected by the terrorist activity in New York.”

Hockey also made specific reference to the companies ofMorgan StanleyandCredit Suisse First Boston, and the massive job ahead for the insurance industry.

Moving out of the shadow cast by the tragic events in New York, Hockey turned his focus onto the level of education of Australian financial services professionals and the increased access and standards the online courses will provide.

“Australia is a magnificent exporter of talent in the financial services industry to the world,” Hocky said.

“For more than a decade the Securities Institute has been contributing to the level of knowledge of people in financial services in Australia. The world is online, we can’t walk away from that, but should embrace it.

“The Government that I am a part of is committed to building up the workforce in the financial services industry, and this is a major step forwards today.”

Securities Institute managing director Penny Le Couteur said online learning is about improving traditional methods of education, focusing on practical skills and knowledge.

“The online courses will be a heightened learning experience for all our students,” she said.

The online learning modules, funded by the Securities Industry Development Account, have been in development since 1999. Le Couteur said all of the Institute’s courses now have online elements, with the level of development partly dependent on student demand.