New data released by Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles today has revealed there have been more than 685,000 Free TAFE enrolments since the start of the program - places that would be at risk from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's proposed cuts.
In a recent speech, the Opposition Leader said 'universal free everything… drains resources' - and Australians haven't forgotten when she opposed Free TAFE and said, 'if you don't pay for something, you don't value it.'
Free TAFE directly benefits hundreds of thousands of Australians, and boosts the workforce in key industries, yet the Coalition still has it on the chopping block.
Since Free TAFE commenced in 2023, there have been more than 685,000 enrolments, and more than 190,000 courses completed.
There have been more than 185,000 enrolments in Care sector courses, helping more Australians towards careers in nursing, aged care and disability care.
Early Childhood Education and Care courses have seen more than 53,000 enrolments, with Construction courses also seeing significant enrolment numbers at more than 52,000.
The Liberals and Nationals' attitude to Free TAFE is at odds with the fact that regional and remote communities, including those the Opposition Leader represents, make up more than one third of all Free TAFE enrolments.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"Sussan Ley and her Coalition simply aren't listening to Australians.
"Australians don't want a Coalition of cuts - they want a government that listens to their needs and delivers support that makes a difference in their lives.
"The Albanese Labor Government will always stand up for Free TAFE and the opportunities it is providing for Australians to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.
"The Coalition's approach of denial and dysfunction leaves them with nothing to say when it comes to skilling Australia's future."
