Sarah Courtney,Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to progress our Plan to deliver a more future-focused TasTAFE and secure opportunities for Tasmania’s learners, our workforce, our businesses, and our economy for years to come.
Importantly, we want to make sure that TasTAFE has the structures and investments it needs to train the workforce of the future and our $98.6 million plan is focused on delivering these outcomes.
As part of our strong plan, today we have released draft legislation for consultation.
The draft legislation outlines the proposed business model for TasTAFE that has been designed from the ground up to best suit the role and functions of TasTAFE, delivering on the recommendations made by the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council earlier this year.
Our TasTAFE transition plan will deliver:
- quality training for students to gain skills in job growth sectors;
- delivery of training at times that work for students, businesses, and employers; and
- more flexible and contemporary employment arrangements for TasTAFE staff.
Under the new model, TasTAFE will have its own employment powers and staff will be covered by the Fair Work Act 2009.
Our plan will provide TasTAFE with more autonomy and flexibility so that it can work closer with industry and employers and be more responsive to the training needs of our economy.
Crucially, we’re securing the future of existing TasTAFE staff members with no forced redundancies and ensuring that no one will be worse off.
Feedback received through the consultation process will be considered by the Tasmanian Government and will inform the development of the final legislation which is expected to be tabled in the Parliament later this year.
As we have always said, TasTAFE will not be privatised under a Liberal Government, it will remain not-for-profit, and 80 per cent of all future training funding will be invested in TasTAFE.
To ensure TasTAFE meets the needs of learners, employers, and the community, today and well into the future, we encourage Tasmanians to view the draft legislation at https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/tastafetransition
Consultation on the draft legislation will close on Monday 18 October.
