Labor welcomes the Government’s ‘SKILL UP for your future’ program announcement, but believes the Liberals failure to adopt Labor’s full free TAFE policy is a missed opportunity to help Tasmanians into employment.
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills, Michelle O’Byrne, said skills training will be critical for Tasmania’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
“The success of Tasmania’s COVID-19 economic recovery hinges on getting people back into work,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Labor welcomes the Government’s ‘SKILL UP for your future’ program but urges the Government to consider policy beyond the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 – including providing free TAFE courses in areas of skills shortages.
“This is something Labor has been calling for the Government to implement for almost a year since announcing a $10 million free TAFE policy to provide 5000 students the qualifications they need to find jobs in our fastest growing industries, including the building and construction, hospitality, aged care and disability services sectors.
“We must do more to connect our schools and training providers with industry and Tasmania’s TAFE system has the potential to be the training engine room of the economy, driving qualifications and employment in a post-pandemic society.
“While Labor welcomes the Liberals announcement to invest in TAFE, it shouldn’t take a global public health crisis for the Government to realise the importance of providing free skills training in areas of skills shortages and demand.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
