Unions welcome the Albanese Government’s announcement to legislate 100,000 Fee-Free TAFE places each year from 2027.
For Australians training for jobs in industries like trades and nursing, this will provide relief worth thousands of dollars in course fees.
Legislating to make Fee-Free TAFE a permanent feature of Australia’s vocational education and training system will remove financial barriers that discourage people to up-skill, especially in high-demand areas.
Since its launch in January 2023, over 508,000 Australians have enrolled in fee-free TAFE in courses across essential sectors such as care, digital and tech, construction, and early childhood education.
The announcement builds on the Albanese Government’s $30 billion investment over five years through the National Skills Agreement.
The focus on cost-of-living relief with vocational education contrasts with the previous government’s funding cuts to TAFE and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor’s current pledge to cut government spending if they win the next election.
Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien:
“From raising wages to lowering costs on household bills and making fee-free TAFE permanent, unions welcome the Albanese Government’s laser focus on cost-of living relief for working people.
“Fee-Free TAFE is making education more affordable and accessible, easing pressure on household budgets, and ensuring more young people have the financial freedom to pursue their dream careers.
“Working people want stability to earn a decent living. Under the Coalition, TAFE was cut to the bone and now they are signalling more spending cuts if they win the next election. Australians just can’t trust the Coalition with TAFE.”
