AUSTRALIANS WILL PAY MORE FOR TAFE UNDER PETER DUTTON AND THE LIBERALS

Peter Dutton and the Liberals have confirmed they will cut cost-of-living relief for over half a million Australians ending access to Free TAFE.

Peter Dutton’s cuts to Free TAFE will mean Australians miss out on the training and jobs in areas of shortage – continuing the Liberals record of cutting funding to education, skills and training.

The Albanese Government is committed to attracting even more people into areas of skill shortage, after it inherited the worst skills shortage in half a century from the former Liberal and National Government.

Free TAFE is delivering for over half a million Australians, helping train over 300,000 women, 170,000 young Australians, and 30,000 First Nations Australians.

Peter Dutton’s Liberals have called Free TAFE “wasteful spending” and opposed the policy on the grounds that “if you don’t pay for something you don’t value it.”

The Liberals have confirmed that they will oppose legislation to make Free TAFE enduring, and have now called for the policy to be “overhauled” in their latest attack on the cost-of-living measure.

The last time the Liberals were in government they ripped $3 billion from TAFE and training over a decade of calculated, systematic neglect. 

Between 2014 - 2019 they cut:

• $220 million from trade support loans;
• $201 million from apprenticeship centres;
• $160 million from adult migrant english programs;
• $125 million from apprenticeship incentives;
• $75 million Industry skills funds.

Australians can rest assured that Free TAFE is safe under the Albanese Government – Australians will get great training, cost-of-living relief and access to secure jobs under Labor.

Under Peter Dutton and the Liberals Free TAFE funding will be cut, leaving half a million Australians left wondering how they will pay for their TAFE fees.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MINISTER FOR SKILLS AND TRAINING ANDREW GILES

“Free TAFE is providing an accessible pathway to secure work and cost-of-living relief to more than half a million Australians. The Albanese Government is committed to building the future of our country which is why we’ve proposed legislation to make Free TAFE enduring.

“As I travel around the country, at every TAFE I visit, I meet students that tell me what a life changer Free TAFE has been for them.

“There is a clear choice - Peter Dutton and the Liberals will cut Free TAFE funding and Australians will pay more for TAFE. Under the Albanese Government Free TAFE is here to stay.”

BACKGROUND

Free TAFE started in January 2023 to 30 June 2024 and has exceeded all expectations – with more than 508,000 enrolments in courses in priority areas, including:

• 131,000 in care – including disability and aged care
• 48,900 in digital and tech
• 35,000 in construction
• 35,500 in early childhood education and care

Students from regional and remote areas comprise almost 35 per cent of total enrolments.

Free TAFE means a South Australian undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology saves $4,704 in course fees while a Queenslander training to be a nurse saves up to $15,900 in course fees.

As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the Australian Government has committed an additional $86.4 million for states and territories to deliver a further 20,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places, including approximately 5,000 pre-apprenticeship places, over two years from January 2025, to boost the supply of the construction industry.

Fee-Free TAFE Enrolment Data Overview - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Quotes attributable to Free TAFE student, Elias Hamwi: 

“I knew it was the perfect opportunity to rebuild my professional life. The Diploma of Community Services matched my background and passion for helping others. 

“I encourage anyone, especially other migrants or refugees, to give it a go — Free TAFE truly helps open doors to new opportunities.”

BACKGROUND 

Elias Hamwi is a Free TAFE student studying a Diploma of Community Services at Kangan Institute in Melbourne. Elias came to Australia as a refugee, leaving behind his job as a program manager at a humanitarian organisation in Syria. He found the first three months challenging as he adjusted to settling into a new country. He worked closely with his settlement team to find out how he could transition into a career.