Free TAFE legislation moves closer to becoming law

THE federal government’s plan to make free TAFE a permanent fixture has moved a step closer after legislation passed the House of Representatives.

The bill, which aims to address skills shortages and ease cost-of-living pressures, formalises ongoing co-operation between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

Since its introduction in January 2023, the Free TAFE program has seen nearly 600,000 enrolments, including more than 170,000 young Australians, 124,000 job seekers, and 30,000 First Nations students.

Women have accounted for more than 60 per cent of enrolments, and one in three students is from a regional or remote area.

Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said the program was already making a difference.

“Free TAFE is changing lives.

“Around 600,000 have already benefited from Free TAFE and we want to make sure millions more will be able to.

“Together with $10,000 incentive payments for housing construction apprentices and upped support for all apprentices, Free TAFE is helping to provide cost of living relief, while building the workforce in critical areas like health, housing and manufacturing.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticised the legislation, arguing it does not guarantee permanent funding.

“Labor’s ‘Free TAFE’ Bill has passed the House of Representatives, but it is a lie to say the bill makes TAFE ‘free’ or ‘Free TAFE permanent,'” she said.