Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills Michelle O’Byrne has welcomed today’s news the Government has committed to fund a program of free VET courses in qualifications directly related to demonstrated jobs growth.
“Peter Gutwein today confirmed the Government is accepting all 64 recommendations in the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council (PESRAC) Interim Report, including number 14 which is based on Labor’s PESRAC submission on our Free TAFE policy,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“They key question is when is the Government planning to act? Labor launched its Free TAFE policy more than a year ago.
“The $10 million policy would provide 5,000 students with qualifications in areas of high skill demand across the state’s economy, including in building and construction, hospitality, aged care and disability services.
“Labor knows TAFE has the potential to be the training engine room for Tasmania and the Government committing to free VET courses is a good step in getting our public training provider back on track.
“The Government now needs to address serious issues of course cutting and its impact on staff morale and training delivery.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
