Sarah Courtney,Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth
We welcome the passage of the TasTAFE (Skills and Training Business) Bill 2021 through the Legislative Council.
As a Government, we want every Tasmanian to have the very best opportunity to get the skills they need so they can secure a job.
Our Plan for TasTAFE is focused on achieving this aim, which is why it has been widely supported by industry and local businesses.
I thank the Legislative Council for their constructive engagement on this important legislation.
The Government has agreed to minor amendments to the Bill during the second reading debate and these will be considered by the House of Assembly today.
This legislation puts TasTAFE in a stronger position to meet the demands of the future.
I am looking forward to working closely with TasTAFE staff, students and leadership as the Government works to operationalise this new model.
Tasmanian students deserve to access the training they need, when and where they need, and it is this Government's firm commitment that course fees will remain low and heavily subsidised.
We have also firmly committed that no staff will be worse off, and the legislation and Fair Work provisions include crucial protections for the pay and conditions of TasTAFE staff.
Underpinning this new structure for TasTAFE is a $98.6 million investment for 100 more teachers, new and improved training facilities, and better access to training for regional and rural Tasmanians.
I would like to thank all stakeholders who have provided valuable feedback throughout the consultation and legislative process.
It was deeply disappointing that Labor have refused to back local businesses and industry by voting against this legislation.
In contrast, the Tasmanian Liberal Government will always work to deliver more opportunities for Tasmanians.
