The Liberal government must address Tasmania's skills shortage if its infrastructure program is to succeed.
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills Michelle O'Byrne said Labor's Free TAFE policy must be adopted to ensure Tasmanian workers come first in the promised infrastructure revival.
"The Liberals are good at making record announcements, but their record of delivery is poor," Ms O'Byrne said.
"The government's infrastructure package is welcome and needed, but it cannot succeed unless it has a Tasmanian skilled workforce behind it to see it through.
"Before the pandemic, employers were crying out for skilled workers, with many resorting to flying skilled workers in to the state and data from the Productivity Commission showing they were increasingly dissatisfied with the training system.
"As we start coming out the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, this shortage must be addressed, along with the training deficiencies.
"We need to upskill workers, retrain those who have lost work as a result of the pandemic and provide pathways for young school leavers.
"Tasmania's TAFE system has the potential to be the training engine room of the economy, driving qualifications and employment.
"Labor's $10 million policy to provide free TAFE courses in key industries facing skills shortages is a clear opportunity to provide the training needed to make that happen.
By making TAFE courses more accessible we can make real progress on Tasmania's recovery, building back some of the jobs lost to COVID-19 whilst getting locals into work
"To do that we need to buy local, build local and employ local. I again urge them to adopt Labor's policy for the good of the state and all Tasmanians.
Michelle O'Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for TAFE, University and Skills
