The Australian Education Union says the new National Skills Agreement, including an additional $3.7 billion in Commonwealth investment, brings to life the Albanese Government’s promise to rebuild the capacity of TAFE.
Federal President, Correna Haythorpe welcomed the Agreement, which sets out the critical path to rebuild TAFE following over a decade of destruction and neglect by the previous Coalition Government
This includes:
- Baseline funding agreements for TAFE,
- $100 million to support and grow the TAFE teaching workforce,
- $142 million for foundational skills education and $250 million to improve course completions,
- $325 million for TAFE Centres of Excellence, and
- $214 million for Closing the Gap initiatives.
“These initiatives will support TAFE teachers and students, and deliver a workforce with the skills and knowledge required for the 21st century,” said Ms Haythorpe.
“The new Agreement reflects the serious and significant policy work undertaken by the Federal Government, Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor and skills ministers from across the states and territories, in consultation with TAFE teachers, the expert voice, through the AEU.
“We look forward to continuing to work in a tripartite approach to see this new agreement implemented and restoration of TAFE as the heart of vocational education in this country.”
